Thousands flocked to downtown Festus for the annual WinterFest, organizer Barb Lowry said.
The event on Dec. 6 was sponsored by the Festus Tourism Commission and has been held each year since 2016, only missing in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The activities took place largely at the Festus Public Library parking lot, 400 W. Main St., or across the street at the parking lot of First United Methodist Church, 113 S. Grand Ave.
Lowry, the Festus director of recreation and tourism, estimated 2,000-2,500 people attended the event billed as providing a day of free or low-cost entertainment. The WinterFest offered skating on an artificial ice rink, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting and other activities.
“It’s hard to tell the number of people, because they come and go all day long,” she said. “But, there were always people using everything.”
Features of the day also included Breakfast with Santa in the morning at First United Methodist Church and the opening of the Santa House for the season in nearby Schneider Park.
In addition, camel and carriage rides were available for a fee, and fire performers from Circus Kaput of St. Louis did a free show on the library parking lot.
“The fire performers juggle,” Lowry said. “They have batons. With everything they do, fire is involved.”
Craft and food vendors sold items. Attendees could go inside Festus Public Library to view the Decorated Cookie Challenge and vote for the entrees in different age groups.
The winners were Lyla Fox of Festus in the 13 and younger category; Ella Grace Gibbon of Festus in 14-17; and Maddie Wolf of Festus in 18 and older. Each winner received a $50 cash prize.
“I think everything went very well,” Lowry said. “We had great weather. We were happy for everyone who came out. They looked like they had a great time. We’re looking forward to next year.”