Winterfest sponsorship opportunities available

Winterfest is less than a month away and Gonzales Main Street still has sponsorships available for those interested in helping visitors and residents mix and mingle in a winter wonderland in the county seat.

Applications are also available for those interested in a food or arts and crafts vendor booth during Winterfest or those who wish to take part in the annual Gonzales Lighted Christmas Parade.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend and take part in Winterfest and the Historic Homes Tour, which will be held Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5. 

According to Main Street director Liz Reiley, Winterfest is made possible with “the generous support and commitment of our local business community” which allows the community to have “snow much fun!”

There are currently eight levels of sponsorship currently available from $500 through $5,000 plus.  More information is available by contacting Reiley at lreiley@gonzales.texas.gov, by calling 830-672-2815, by texting 830-203-1705 or online at bit.ly/gonzaleswinterfest.

Movie Night

A free, featured family movie will be shown during Movie Night on the Square at Independence Square at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. This year it will be “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which has become as much a part of the Christmas tradition as Santa himself. Please bring blankets, chairs, and your families to join the Gonzales Main Street  for Rudolph in the Square!

Jingle Mingle
Want to do some local shopping for Christmas specials at participating businesses or dine at local restaurants? Join the Jingle Mingle for a late, fun night in downtown Historic Gonzales.

Pancake Breakfast

Start your Winterfest Saturday, Dec. 4, with breakfast with jolly old Santa at the Gonzales First United Methodist Church. The Gonzales Rotary Club-hosted breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and individual tickets begin at $8. A table of eight is $50 and a table of 10 is $60. Guests will be served a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will be available till 11 a.m. Tickets may be purchased from the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce.

Ice Skating, SnowGlobe Live and Snowzilla Jr.

Once again, Winterfest will feature an Ice Skating rink, the SnowGlobe Live and Snowzilla Jr. super slide. The ice may be artificial but the fun to be had is genuine!

• Synthetic ice provides the finest quality skating experience around. Synthetic ice consists of a unique plastic polymer that best resembles the consistency of the world’s largest white cutting board.  The ice skating rink is fitted together like a giant jigsaw puzzle in 4x8 synthetic ice sheets. The ice panels are then treated with a lubricating solution that reduces contact friction and enhances the glide and speed of the skating experience.

• SnowGlobe Live is the first major attraction of its kind in the United States and features an exciting Winter Wonderland photo experience like no other. Explore this giant inflatable snow globe complete with holiday décor elements and a large artificial snow play area. A great photo op for up to 6 guests — just enter, play, pose and take home a great photo souvenir from SnowGlobe Live!

• At almost 35 feet tall and 90 feet long, Snowzilla Jr. guarantees to be that winter-themed slide with a wow factor! Climb 20 feet of rugged terrain to the summit and at the top of your hike you are faced with almost 50 feet of an exhilarating slide! Beneath this massive winter themed slide is an enclosed jumping area moonwalk. So really, it is like two attractions in one!

These three popular attractions will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

Lighted Parade

This year’s Lighted Christmas Parade will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Lineup starts at 6 p.m. and judging will take place as participants drive through downtown. Awards for first and second place will be presented to the winners in each category once the parade has ended.

Because Winterfest organizers have asked Santa to ride on the Main Street entry, there will bee only one Santa in the parade (No exceptions). Also, no items (silly string, candy, promotional items) may be thrown from the parade route. Someone over the age of 12 may hand out items to spectators as long as they keep the appropriate pace and entry spacing.

You can become a part of the parade by lighting your floats, cars, pickups, bicycles, bands, motorcycles or walking groups and by submitting a parade entry application and $10 entry fee via cash or check if entering prior to Nov. 15. Entries received after Nov. 15 must pay a $25 application fee. No entries will be accepted after Nov. 29. For more information, email lreiley@gonzales.texas.gov or call 830-672-2815.

Historic Homes Tour

Homes featured on this year’s historic tour will include Belle Oaks Inn at 222 St. Peter, built in 1912; St. James Inn at 723 St. James, built in 1914; The J.H. Boothe House at 706 St. George, built in 1912; the Frank Fly House at 827 St. Joseph, built in 1914; and the Fauth House at 521 St. Peter, the oldest house to be featured with a construction date of 1868. Home tours will be given from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5.

The Historic Homes Tour is sponsored by the non-profit Gonzales Historic Homes Association (GHHA). Since its beginning in 1996, the GHHA has raised awareness of the historical value of the historic homes that still remain, and has contributed financially to Gonzales’ tourism efforts. The GHHA has invested more than $60,000 in the beautification, promotion and preservation of Gonzales.