Vernon's Winterfest Begins Tonight

It's the opening weekend for the annual Winterfest in Vernon.

And the festivities begin tonight. The annual torchlight parade will get things going and the night wil conclude with fireworks after the traditional tree-lighting ceremony. 

Here is an overview of the schedule:

Tonight

At 6:30 p.m., the Vernon Fire Department will host the annual Torchlight Parade. The parade starts at Northeast School, continues on Grove Street,
to Union Street and ends in Rockville at Central Park.

Mayor George Apel and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be aboard the trucks and will join the carol sing at the end of the parade, led by the Rockville High School band and chorus.

After the parade, Mayor Apel will light the town tree.

Free snacks and refreshments will be offered at Town Hall, courtesy of the Junior Women’s Club.

The Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Church of the Risen Savior, features decorated themed trees, sponsored by area businesses, organizations and individuals. The proceeds benefit the Maple Street School Community School program. Trees are displayed in the mayor’s office and visitors can purchase tickets to vote for the trees of their choice. The winners will be drawn on Dec 14. For more information, call Leslie Campolongo at 860-872-4300, or email churchoftherisensavior@gmail.com.

At 8 p.m., at Bev’s Corner, 3 Elm St., Jacob’s Well Coffeehouse is hosting singer/guitarist Alex Cook. For details call 860-872-3190.

At 1 p.m. an ornament making workshop is being hosted by the Rockville Public Library at the annex.

Saturday, Dec. 8

The Children’s Holiday Festival is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, at the Teen Center, sponsored buy the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department. Children 10 and younger can enjoy crafts, cookie decorating, holiday movies and a moon bounce. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy.
To pre-register, call 860-870-3520.

The Winterfest Walk/Run, Maple Street School's portion of the the Mayor’s Cup Challenge, is slated for noon at Valley Falls Park. The event is for students in grades K through 5.

From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Bev’s Corner, local Girl Scouts will be
leading craft projects and Elle Fagan, a local artist, will read Christmas
stories on the hour. the event is free and goodwill donations will be accepted.

From 1 to 3 p.m., Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at Town Hall.

At 1 p.m. the annual Arctic Splash is scheduled for Valley Falls. To pre-resister, call 860-870-3520.

At 6 p.m., a Community-wide Worship Service is scheduled for Union Church, led by composer, singer, keyboarder Rita Springer. Admission is free. For details, call 860-872-3190.