The first weekend of December is a chilly time of
year, but in Winsted, there’s plenty of warmth and light
to go around.
In 2019, Winsted celebrated its 31st annual Winsted
Winter Festival (sponsored by the Winsted Area
Chamber of Commerce), which featured a lighted
Christmas parade, caroling, art classes, candy-making,
visits from Santa Claus and Winsted ambassadors, and
more.
Each year, the festivities begin with a holiday
outdoor lighting contest judged by residents of St.
Mary’s Care Center and members of the chamber of
commerce.
Three winners were chosen in 2019 out of two
categories. Each received a $100 prize:
• Reason for the Season: Brad and Leah Mallak at
616 Hunter Circle, and Bryan Schaust and Emily Schaust
at 840 Mallard Avenue.
• Classic Christmas: Marc and Nancy Fasching at
1796 245th Street.
Prize winners included Elias Vorbeck for a model
train, and Rachel Rolfzen for a girl’s bike.
Scott Williams of Winsted won $100 after finding the
medallion in the annual medallion hunt, which takes
place in conjunction with the Winter Festival.
Each year, the festival ends Saturday evening with
a lighted Christmas parade. Rick and Lisa Baumann
were honored as grand marshals in the 2019 parade.
Plans are already in the making for the 2020 festival,
set for Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5.
Hay wagon rides, sponsored by Hausladen Farms and Carlson
Apple Orchard, took folks on a scenic ride through Winsted dur-
ing the 2019 Winter Festival.
Winsted Jolly Juniors 4-H’ers stayed warm running candy out to parade watchers.
PHOTO BY LINDA EUERLE
PHOTO BY LINDA EUERLE