Occoquan​ River Communities​ Announce WinterFest Schedule

From Occoquan River Communities:

Organizers for Occoquan River Communities (ORC), a not-for-profit focused on promoting and celebrating the Occoquan River region as a premier destination, have announced the schedule of events for the second annual WinterFest celebration on December 10, 2016. WinterFest is family-friendly, area-wide celebration of the winter season. The all-day event highlights multiple area destinations with entertainment, food and activities for all ages.

The day begins at 11a.m. with Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade – a Comic Book Christmas – on Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 8-8:30p.m. sponsored by the Prince William Marina. Other venues hosting activities include the Tackett’s Mill Center, Town of Occoquan, the Workhouse Arts Center, the Occoquan Regional Park and Hoffmaster’s Marina. Attendees will be able to partake of free hot chocolate at all venues and Santa will make multiple appearances, beginning with his arrival by firetruck at the parade.

Betty Dean, president of ORC, stated: “Each of the participating venues is planning activities that feature their unique offerings. ORC’s role is to facilitate coordination of the event and promote it to the public. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the best of the winter season and show off the amazing variety of things to see and do throughout the ORC region.” Nancy Kyme, ORC board member and organizer of the Santa Parade added: “This year’s parade is going to be even bigger and better. We’re still accepting applications from groups, schools, etc. who want to march or enter a float in the parade – and many of our winners from last year will be returning to defend their trophies.”

The day’s agenda will be as follows (all events take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016):

• Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge, 11a.m. – noon: Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade
• Tackett’s Mill Lakeside, 12:30p.m. - Parade awards ceremonies
• Tackett’s Mill Lakeside, noon – 3p.m. - Holiday Arts Market
• Historic Occoquan, 3p.m. – 7p.m. - Evening shopping, marshmallow roasts, kids’ crafts, restaurant specials, caroling and more
• Workhouse Arts Center, 6p.m. – 9p.m. - Second Saturday Art Walk, carriage rides, fire pits, caroling and more
• Occoquan Regional Park, 7p.m. – 9p.m. - Fireworks viewing* with free parking, hot chocolate and more
• Hoffmaster’s Marina, 7p.m. – 9p.m. – Fireworks viewing* with free parking, hot chocolate and more

Activities are continually being added. For updates and more information go to Occoquan River Communities’ Facebook page.

Entry forms and participation details for Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade can be found online.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay