Winterfest 2013
Watch here for information regarding the 2013 schedule of events!
Ellington Annual Winterfest &
Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Established in 2004, Ellington Annual Winterfest & Tree-Lighting Ceremony is held the first weekend in December. The weekend includes a series of events to promote community and holiday spirit in the Town of Ellington. Events include:
- Tree-Lighting assisted by two Ellington children
- Ellington Singers Holiday Concert
- Open House at the Nellie McKnight House
- Torch Light Parade
- Festival of Trees and Open House at the Hall Memorial Library
- Church Choirs
- Christmas Play by the Ellington High School Drama Department
- Appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman
- Gingerbread House Baking Contest [NEW in 2008]
For more info, contact Ellen Karadimas, Winterfest Facilitator, at 860-875-3885.
Gingerbread House Contest Rules/Entry Form (Watch for 2013 form.)
Frosty the Snowman Picture
Ellington Winterfest Committee Members:
Patricia & Jim Stoughton: Pat organizes the Winterfest program; and Jim acts as "Town Crier" during the event.
Denise Archibald: Denise works with Pat to create the programs/flyers/posters that are distributed around town.
Paul Scordato: Decorates the gazebo area/tree and creates the float for Santa and Mrs. Claus
Susan Philips: Director of Hall Memorial Library, she coordinates all activities at the library, as well as handling certain needs around the town green area.
Jack Rich: Coordinator of the Ellington Volunteer Fire Dept.'s "Torchlight Parade" during Winterfest
Sharon McLaughlin: Helps coordinate all the Winterfest activities at the Ellington Congregational Church
Dave Milnes: Plays Santa Claus each year.
Jack Hagopian: Plays Frosty the Snowman each year.
Dot Shackway: Coordinates the Winterfest activities of the Ellington Women's Club at the Senior Center.
Rita Carbone-Lawson: Assists Ellen Karadimas with PR releases and the distribution of posters.
Anonymous Volunteer: Plays Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer
Ellen Karadimas: Chairman & Founder of Ellington's Winterfest. Manages the coordination of all activities of the Winterfest; initiates all formal paperwork/forms needed; handles the writing of the press releases and public relations; plays Mrs. Santa Claus each year.
Also, big thanks to Nancy Long, of the Ellington Historical Society for preparing the Nellie McKnight Museum; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for their "Live Nativity"; Express Verizon for their "Donkey Petting Zoo" and contributing Rudolph's costume; Ellington's Public Works Department; our Town Constables; and Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, and myriad volunteers for all the work they do.