Events held in Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton on the first weekend in December
Good things come to those who wait”is an appropriate adage for the Christmas season, as many count down the days to when they can open their pres- ents; however, it was also apt for this year’s Winter Fest in Buellton, but for different reasons.
During the annual event on Sunday, Dec. 7, which capped a four-day period of Christmas events all over the Santa Ynez Valley, folks arriving to River View Park to enjoy the “20 Tons of Snow” — a trademark of the Winter Fest — came upon workers from the snow supplier halfway through spraying the white stuff on the corner of the park lawn as a line formed.The ice company that supplied the snow was held up at a previous assignment, according to Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland.
Fortunately, the crew was able to complete the “20 ton” layer pretty quickly and locals were able to enjoy their own temporary winter wonderland for the evening.
Later, the lighting of the now-permanent tree in the middle of the park also hit a snag. As Buellton Mayor David Silva and Councilmember Carla Mead counted down to the lighting, when it hit zero, the tree stayed unlit. As someone tried to fix the connection, Silva did what he called his “best crowd work,” and then led a sing-along of “Jingle Bells,” and in the middle of that, the lights came on, revealing a colorful display with Santa and Mrs. Claus, present to pose for pictures, applauded.
Despite those two hiccups, the Winter Fest was considered a success. Attendees not only enjoyed the snow and the tree-lighting, but also a small amusement area with a few rides, including a small train on wheels that went through the park, rows of vendor booths, and good grub offered by some food trucks that rolled in.
“Despite the temporary problem with the lights, I think this Winter Fest is going well, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” Silva said. “There were a lot of events going on all around the Valley, and we wanted to close the weekend with something that our Buellton locals could get together for.”
The Winter Fest was put on jointly by the Buell- ton Chamber of Commerce, Buellton Parks and Rec, and SYV Community Outreach.
The weekend saw a couple of other tree light- ing events, as well as the Solvang Julefest Parade, starting on Thursday, Dec. 4, which heralded the start of the holiday season.
On Friday, Dec. 5, Solvang kicked off its Julefest monthlong holiday celebration with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, drawing a huge crowd to Solvang Park. Those in attendance were treated to a concert from the Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble, performances from the Fossemalle Dance Studio, singers from the Joyce Michaels Voice Studio, and musician Dewey Roberts.
Father and daughter Dean Klitgaard and Susan Lee, both of the Solvang Visitors Center, again served as emcees for the ceremony.The two addressed the crowd on the Danish customs and terms like “hygge,” defined as a quality of coziness and comfort that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Klitgaard also reminded the crowd the correct pronunciation of Julefest (that’s “yoo-la-fest” not “jewel-fest”), and he and Lee conducted a crowd chant where half yelled “yoo- la” and the other half yelled “fest.”
Finally, Klitgaard and Lee led the crowd in a countdown that ended with the lighting of the tree, which cycled through different colors as the crowd cheered.
Of course, the tree-lighting is just part of the annual Julefest, which lasts until the Christmas tree burning at the mission on Jan. 9. For a schedule of event, go to solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest/.
The run of holiday events began on Thursday, Dec. 4, as the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce held it tree lighting on Sagunto Street. The event featured the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band playing outside on its bandwagon, while the Fossemalle Studio dancers performed inside the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. Those attending were also welcome to stop in the local stores, and food and drink was offered inside the museum, and horse carriage rides were offered through town before the crowd gathered at approximately 5:30 to light the 55-plus-foot tree.
