CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT SWANNANOA WINTERFEST

Take a break from holiday preparations and enjoy the spirit of the season at Swannanoa Winterfest, a unique community celebration that brings a taste of Old Europe to the Swannanoa Valley. This free event takes place in Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave.), on Sunday, December 17, from 2 – 6:30 pm.

Modeled on traditional European holiday markets, Swannanoa Winterfest will feature 40 artisans and vendors selling a variety of unique gift items under tents decked with festive lights. Festival-goers can stroll through the vendor tents; enjoy musical entertainment, jugglers and dancers; warm their hands and roast marshmallows over a fire pit; and choose from a wide array of delicious food, holiday treats, and hot drinks that will be available for purchase.

New for 2023 – hop on board the Holiday Trolley for a guided tour of the historic Grovemont neighborhood, celebrating its 100th anniversary as America’s first planned community ($3 donation per person; hot chocolate included!).

There will be games and activities for the kids, too, including a visit from Olaf the Snowman, and a booth for writing and mailing letters to Santa at the North Pole. Bring the whole family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your friends and neighbors!

Please join in the spirit of the holiday by bringing nonperishables or monetary donations to support the Healthy Food & Fund Drive sponsored by local nonprofit Bounty & Soul.

Swannanoa Winterfest is a gift to the community, brought to you by the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS), and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library’s huge used book sale, located in the building’s basement, will be open throughout the event.

There are a few vendor spaces still available. Interested Winterfest vendors can contact Vendor Coordinator, Marco Rozenbroek, at 305-495-2666.

For more information about Swannanoa Winterfest, or to sign up as a volunteer, please call the Swannanoa Library at 828-250-6486.