CLEARWATER FL – The construction of the 31st annual Winter Wonderland began on November 2nd with forklifts and trucks bringing in the playground, the houses and the stage that will transform the Osceola Courtyard into a traditional holiday village. Members of the Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) will be busily at work for the next four weeks to ready the site for the grand opening.
The gates to Winter Wonderland will open at 5:30pm on Sunday, December 1st with a light-up ceremony at 6:00pm. Running through to Monday, December 23rd, hundreds of volunteers will eventually help construct, decorate and facilitate the event.
“It has been a difficult last few months here for everyone,” said Pam Ryan-Anderson, the Executive Director of the Clearwater Community Volunteers and Winter Wonderland. “We want to provide an overwhelming sense of holiday cheer, to get families throughout our area to experience all of the good this season can bring.”
“The true spirit of the holidays is family and giving,” added Ms. Ryan-Anderson. “People see that at Winter Wonderland. But in addition to creating life-long memories, Winter Wonderland collects food and toys for families in need. Through Winter Wonderland, we can provide an experience that everyone can enjoy, while also providing the holidays for families in need.”