WinterFest a winner

It looks as if they have a winner on their hands.

The Portland Area Chamber of Commerce has been promoting WinterFest as a way of generating some excitement locally for area businesses and organizations.

The Parade of Lights has been a hit since the beginning, but related events in the Jay County Courthouse have had a little trouble hitting their stride.

That changed this year.

Abandoning an admission charge that had rankled some folks and kept others away, WinterFest organizers took a decidedly different approach in 2003.

And if you haven’t stopped in at the courthouse yet to give it a look, now’s your chance.

Borrowing from large metropolitan areas, WinterFest is hosting its version a “festival of trees’ event at the courthouse.

Dozens of trees — some large and some small — have been decorated by local organizations, businesses, and groups of volunteers and employees. The result is a shot in the arm for holiday spirit.

The public’s invited not only to view the trees but to cast a ballot for their favorite. At the end of this week, a benefit auction will be held to sell the trees to the highest bidders.

As a community event, it adds up to a win-win-win situation.

The trees are a delightful addition to the holiday season, the public can participate without spending a nickel, and some lucky bidders will get to take beautiful trees home for Christmas.

Our congratulations to everyone involved. — J.R.

[[In-content Ad]]