By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — The Village at Winona was bustling all day Saturday and especially at night with the kickoff of the holiday season that included a huge crowd for the annual Christmas tree lighting.
Hundreds gathered for the ceremony moments after much of the crowd joined in for Christmas carols and the event was then followed by fireworks.
Those events also coincided with the opening of the ice skating season across the street at Miller Sunset Pavilion and also included a new attraction — the relocation of the Winona Lake Winter Farmer’s market, which had been at the town’s community building.
The change was led by Brittany Dean, who now oversees both the farmers’ market and the ice rink.
She said the concept is similar to what is done in Carmel for the winter months and she thought the combination would be a perfect fit.
“Good for foot traffic and good for the community to come down and hang out and enjoy the day,” Dean said.
The market will return on Dec. 13, Jan. 10, and Feb. 14
About 20 vendors, many of whom are local farmers, participated Saturday, offering a wide variety of items.
Two of the vendors, Brooks and Mikie Stogsdill, who own Good Farm Dog Treats, an organic dog treat business, saw brisk sales and like the new location.
“We think the exposure here is going to be immense compared to last year,” Mikie said.
Denny said they’re ready for a busy season for the market and the rink.
Check out the graphic below for more details on skate rink policies.
Here are a few other images from Winona Lake’s busy day.
