ENCORE: Winterfest Comes to Waukee

You better watch out, you better not cry. Santa Claus is coming to Waukee.

The annual Waukee winter tradition known as Winterfest is happening this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Triangle Park in downtown Waukee.

Matt Jermier, director of the Waukee Parks & Recreation, said the event is one of the most popular gatherings in the city of Waukee.

"I think it's the event we look forward to every year," he said. "It's always cold but that never scares anybody off as far as citizens showing up. We always have a good turnout and it's a way to get the community out and together."

This year, Santa Claus will arrive promptly at 6 p.m. on the historic Waukee Triangle, riding a Waukee fire truck. Kids of all ages will have the chance to sit on Santa's lap to let the jolly one know what they want for Christmas.

Also on the Triangle, there will be ice carving demonstrations and a shuttle to take people to the Maple Street Community Center where there will be soup, cider, hot cocoa and cookies for all. There will even be a craft area for the kids.

Jermier said the move to the Maple Street Community Center from the American Legion was necessary to accommodate all the visitors to the event.

"We used to do the soup and everything at the American Legion building but we've just outgrown it," he said. "What we’re doing is taking people two blocks over to the community center and that will run throughout the night.

In addition to the Waukee Parks & Recreation, the Waukee Park Board, Waukee Police & Fire and the 50 Plus group are all participating in the event. It is completely run by volunteers and there is no charge to attend.