Winter celebration brings campus, community together

Everyone is invited to join in family fun when the University of Wisconsin-Superior hosts its 5th annual Winterfest 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Marcovich Wellness Center and the Yellowjacket Union, both located on Catlin Avenue.

This free campus-community tradition offers indoor and outdoor family events for people of all ages.

The Marcovich Wellness Center at Catlin Avenue and 19th Street is the center of activity, featuring photos with Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, giant inflatable games, a climbing wall, a storybook village, performances by local school choirs and UW-Superior’s Steel Drum Ensemble, and more.

Also available is a craft fair offering wares by local crafters and Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can bring their allowances to shop for presents for their parents, siblings, grandparents and teachers.

The campus BBQ Club serves free hotdogs and plenty of hot chocolate and apple cider too.

New this year, are activities at the Yellowjacket Union. Activities there include caricature artists, photo booths and the Holiday Entertainment Showcase. ‘Jacket Book & Supply will be open for shopping and plenty of hot cocoa will be available.

Roaming characters including Mrs. Claus, elves, penguins, and Frosty the Snowman will guide visitors between buildings and hand out stocking stuffers and goodie bags for kids.

Everyone attending Winterfest is encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or monetary donation to help the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.

Wintefest has quickly become popular in the community, drawing as many as 2,500 people a year.

“Winterfest brings the university and community together. It’s a way for the campus community to give back to community members through fun and free events as well as with the donations for Second Harvest,” said Allison Gerland, student activities specialist at UW-Superior.

Allison Kosicek, student coordinator of Wintefest, said, “It’s cool for community members to get involved and see what our campus can do. This is a huge event in a college community.”

Free parking is available in university lots. Look for signs to direct you to parking.

For more information, visit www.uwsuper.edu/

winterfest or call (715) 394-8244.

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