The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 6, offering a night of holiday activities, a lighted Christmas parade, and opportunities to support local businesses.
Since its inception in 2003, Winter Wonderland has grown into a community tradition that draws residents and visitors together. Leslie Hanson, president of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the event’s significance to the area.
“I think the whole Christmas spirit aspect of it makes it special,” Hanson said. “The lighted parade is something everyone looks forward to.”
The lighted parade, one of Winter Wonderland’s most anticipated events, has expanded each year. “We started small, but the parade has grown a little every year,” Hanson said. “This year, we had 23 participants, and we hope to grow it even more in the future.”
This year’s parade featured vehicles, floats, and participants decorated with Christmas lights. Santa Claus arrived during the parade and stayed afterward to meet the children at the train depot.
In addition to the parade, Winter Wonderland included free horse-and-wagon rides, a hot cocoa and bake sale on Logan Street, and the annual holiday window contest, in which local businesses decorated their storefronts with seasonal displays.
A new feature this year was the “Where’s Waldo?” scavenger hunt, which encouraged participants to visit 28 businesses across Pulaski County. A 3D-printed Waldo figure was hidden in each location, and participants could earn stickers and enter a prize drawing by locating Waldo in a set number of businesses.
"The ‘Where’s Waldo?’ scavenger hunt was something new we tried this year to encourage foot traffic in our local businesses,” Hanson said. “Waldo was hidden in 28 businesses across Pulaski County, including in Winamac, Francesville, Medaryville, and Monterey. Business owners loved the idea and appreciated being included. It was a fun way to remind everyone to shop locally, especially during the holiday season. The response from business owners and the community has been very positive.”
The holiday window contest and scavenger hunt both encouraged local business engagement, which Hanson said is crucial, especially during the holiday season.
Construction projects in downtown Winamac required changes to this year’s event. The parade was rerouted from Market Street to Logan Street because newly installed sidewalks were incomplete, and streetlights were back ordered.
“We had to adjust this year to ensure everyone’s safety,” Hanson said. “Next year, we plan to return to Market Street, but we made it work for now.”
Despite these challenges, Hanson said the event retained its festive atmosphere.
Winter Wonderland has long been an opportunity to bring people together and support local businesses. The event, organized entirely by volunteers, took months of planning and coordination.
“We’re grateful for the support of sponsors and the hard work of everyone involved,” Hanson said. “It’s great to see the community come together, and it’s rewarding to know that families leave with lasting memories.”
From the lighted parade to the new scavenger hunt, Winter Wonderland remains a highlight of the holiday season for Winamac residents and visitors alike.
Winter Wonderland is a longstanding tradition that brings the Winamac community together to celebrate the holiday season. From the festive lighted parade to activities like the Waldo Scavenger Hunt, the event offers something for everyone to enjoy. Supported by local businesses, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers, the festival highlights the importance of community connections and shared experiences. Through its growing popularity and variety of activities, Winter Wonderland continues to create a memorable holiday atmosphere for residents and visitors.
The Pulaski County Community Development Commission (CDC) plays a key role in supporting local events like Winter Wonderland, which celebrates community spirit and fosters economic growth. By promoting local businesses and encouraging participation in activities such as the holiday scavenger hunt and lighted window contest, the CDC helps strengthen the connection between residents and small businesses. These efforts align with the CDC’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Pulaski County, combining economic development with community engagement to preserve local traditions while driving progress.
To learn more about the Pulaski County Community Development Commission visit, https://development.pulaskionline.org/