Winter Wonderland-Themed Festival Coming To NW Georgia

ROME, GA — Northwest Georgia residents will soon have the chance to experience the magic of a true Winter Wonderland-themed festival designed to celebrate culture, delight families and promote unity.

The first Winter Wonderland Carnival & Ice Festival will be held Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 at the Forum in downtown Rome. This free, four-day event will celebrate "The Season of Peace" by providing a platform for various social, religious, ethnic and cultural groups to share how they embrace the festive time of year.

The Carnival & Ice Festival is presented by Peacefully Engaging the Rome Community, and will run in conjunction with the Forum River Center’s first-ever "Forum on Ice" event throughout November and December, which features indoor ice-skating.

Mark Van Leuvan, executive director of the carnival, said he was inspired to spearhead the event by his past European travels.

“When I was younger, I spent a few Advent seasons backpacking through Central Europe,” he added. “I enjoyed their tradition of the Advent Markets, in which the villages would close down late in the afternoon and the citizens open up vendor booths, food booths and regale the town with seasonal entertainment.

“Regardless of ethnicity or beliefs, everyone is invited to participate. It’s a great community tradition for neighbors to get to know one another in a completely non-judgmental fashion by celebrating what most hold as a season of peace.”

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The Winter Wonderland Carnival will kick off with a live holiday variety show by the PERC Radio Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 29 followed by a weekend of festive, cultural events. A market of artistic, educational and culinary vendors will be featured, as well as performances including a Holiday “Gong Show” on Ice, an Ugly Sweater Disco Party, a Night of Carolers, Choirs and Choristers, music from local musicians, art shows, an authentic Kwanzaa dinner and more.

PERC’s mission is to bring the Rome community together through art and cultural events, said Jessie Reed, PERC’s executive director.

“The Winter Wonderland Carnival & Ice festival is an awesome opportunity to share and experience each other’s most sacred traditions," Reed added. "This can only broaden our horizons and promote better understanding among our neighbors.”

For more information about the Carnival, visit its website or Facebook page.

Image via Shutterstock