2018 December Colony Magazine

Winter
Wonderland
Get into the Christmas spirit with events around Atascadero
By Heather Young
Downtown Atascadero comes alive
with the Christmas spirit at Winter
Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 7
from 5 to 9 p.m. The event centers around
Sunken Gardens and pours into the downtown
streets. The event is free and has something
for people of all ages.
“Due to living on the Central Coast, it
never snows,” Atascadero resident Amy
Foster said. “It is always such a joy to
watch our boys share in a snowball fight.
My husband and I even join in on the
snowy fun too.”
Foster’s children also chimed in with
their favorite things at the event.
“My favorite part is going around and
checking out all the booths,” said Riley, 6.
His brother, Kyle, said his favorite part of
the event is “getting to throw the snowballs.”
Deputy City Manager Terrie Banish said
that more than 53 tons of snow is brought
in for the event, making it “the only winter
wonderland event of its kind in the
county.” The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero
creates a massive snow slide on Palma Avenue
at Traffic Way. There are also two snow
piles: one for children under 12 and one
older than 12.
“My daughter looks forward to playing
in real snow,” Atascadero resident Michele
Coombs said. “Sometimes it is the only time
she sees snow all year. It really gets us in the
Christmas spirit.”
Around Sunken Gardens and throughout
the downtown, more than 50 food, craft
and nonprofit groups will have booths. Banish
also said there will be obstacle courses,
bounce houses, a rock climbing wall,
Santa & Mrs. Claus, Atown Park Scooter
Demonstrations, Joe’s Little Train by the
Elks, Atascadero elementary and high
school show choirs, and music by Medina
Light Show and Designs.
Atascadero resident Sydney Drexler, 9,
said her favorite part of Winter Wonderland
is “running around having fun and
throwing snowballs.”
This event is presented by the City of
Atascadero and its many sponsors. Go to
VisitAtascadero.com or call 805-470-3360
for more information.
WINTER WONDERLAND ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP:
5-5:35 p.m.: Motion Academy of Dance
5:40-6 p.m.: Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Dance Group
6-6:40 p.m.: Atascadero elementary choir
6:40-7:15 p.m.: Atascadero High School Concert & Show Choir
7:15-9 p.m.: Live D.J. music
* Times are approximate. Entertainment will take place on the steps of
the City Administration Building. The North Pole location for Santa
and Mrs. Claus will be on the Atascadero Junior High School side of
City Hall.
SEE PAGE 20 FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS!
December 2018, COLONY Magazine colonymagazine.com | 19