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Stephanie Berkey said years ago that she dreamed of Ridgely being designated as a Hallmark Town
Winterfest is the work toward that goal and shows her love for the town.
Despite concerns about fundraising earlier this year, the community “came together” and “reminds us why we are doing this,” Berkey said. The concerns about not enough donated funds and potentially canceling the 2025 Winterfest in September sparked an influx of monetary and in-kind donations. Berkey noted that Bilbrough’s Electric, Pierson’s Comfort Group, and Danny’s Lawn Care each provided in-kind support that really helped to bring the event to fruition.
“It was tough,” navigating questions about funding sources from the pubic against calls to keep the festival going, Berkey said. “But the community came through, especially in these last few weeks,” especially the donation of time and materials, she said.
In planning for the event, the town staff focused on popular activities, including ice skating, and new fireworks for 2025. When asked what she thought may be more popular, the ice skating or the fireworks, after a moment of thought, Berkey said, “the ice skating is very popular, but that tends to be for the kids. The fireworks – that is for the whole family.” She said that she hoped that the forecasted snow started just after the fireworks display, “that would be just magical.”
Children had the opportunity to tell Santa about their Christmas wishes and meet a host of other lovable holiday characters. Buddy the Elf and Jovie brought lots of energy and enthusiasm to everyone they met. Played by Jason Wielgosz and Morgan Nolan, they participate in Winterfest to “bring joy to the kids.”
The fabled occupants of the Island of Misfit Toys were available for photos. The Lowman family had their photo opp; they came over from Delaware after hearing about the event from a friend.
Berkey emphasized that the goal is to, “provide families with a free entertainment on a night in December and to have everyone get just a little bit more Christmas joy in these tough times.” The tough time may account for fewer vendors than in years past, although the lines for the food and wares seemed healthy even early in the night’s event.
The Friends of The Library provided a mini-golf activity for “pro” and “newbie” mini golfers to promote their upcoming Library Mini Golf fundraiser in Feb. Berkey said that nonprofits were encouraged to have an activity so that there was something to do or see at just about every inch of the festival. (Disclosure: this writer serves on the board of the Friends of The Library.)
Accessibility on the flat trail surfaces allowed for folks who use walking assistance such as wheelchairs and rolling walkers to enjoy the lights and sounds of the festival. ADA compatibility has a personal meaning for Berkey because her father, who had health issues this year, was going be able to come out and enjoy the event.
Will there be a Winterfest in December 2026? Berkey hesitated to give any answer, “so many things need to be aligned for that to happen,” the least of which is the economy.
Gesturing to a few children walking by excitedly talking about the fun spirit of the night, Berkey said, “but that’s why I want to be able to continue the legacy of Winterfest,” to offer a free event for families.
