Children's Winterfest 2004

Every fall since 1981, parents at the Co-op Preschool begin preparations for the Children's Winterfest.  This event takes place the first or second Saturday in December.  It began as a small Childrens' Store where school age children could shop for hand made items for their family and friends.  The gift items were, and still are, made by parents whose children are now enrolled in the Preschool. With each year, new families brought new ideas and the Children's Store evolved into a children's event with refreshments, activities, baked goods, a Country Store, and a raffle and silent auction being added to make a full day event for children and their families to enjoy.

 

In 1998 we moved the event to the Sally Judd Griffin, Meals on Wheels building on Jewell Avenue in Pacific Grove and changed the name to Children's Winterfest.  As in years past, parents will be attending workshops to make gift items for the Children's Store in addition to their personal contribution of at least 15 items.  They will also be baking a minimum of two yummy treats for the Bake Shop.  Items include pizzas, quiches, cookies, pies, cupcakes.  Beautiful gift baskets will also be available.

 

The raffle/silent auction committee works hard to collect donations from generous merchants throughout the Monterey Peninsula and the surrounding area. Each family sells a minimum of four books of raffle tickets.  The raffle and silent auction often account for almost half the monies raised at the Winterfest.  Last  year's grand prize for the raffle was four tickets to Disneyland -- it only gets better every year due to the generosity of our parents and supporters!

 

Each year friends and relatives help us by making gift items, volunteering at the event, and attending.  Last  year we were especially lucky to have our "sister" Adult School program, Preschool Plus, join us from the ground up and it looks as though we can celebrate this as a new tradition.  We will all be sharing in the production and the proceeds of the Winterfest. 

 

Proceeds from the event will go directly to the Co-op Preschool and Preschool Plus programs; directly into the classroom to be used for materials, field trips, books and music. 

 

This event has grown from a small fund raising event to community event that celebrates the wonder of the winter season and the wonder of young children.  If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause we would be so thankful -- you may do so by filling out a donation form directly on-line by clicking here!

Stay tuned for more information on the wacky, wonderful, Winterfest wonderland!