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In the heart of Pensacola, the absence of Winterfest would render the Christmas atmosphere incomplete. The downtown merriments persist well into the Friday night hours. Over the course of two decades, Winterfest has disseminated Christmas delight among the denizens of Pensacola, attracting admirers from far-reaching corners of this region.
Denise Daughtry, at the helm as Winterfest president, expresses her astonishment at the event evolving into a Christmas spectacle of regional significance. The festivities extend beyond mere revelry, playing a pivotal role in invigorating downtown commerce.
Samantha Breedlove, co-proprietor of Rusted Arrow, notes a palpable surge in business. She remarks, “Our establishment has experienced a noticeable uptick in activity. Visitors adorned with Winterfest wristbands frequent our premises, indicative of their participation in the event.”
Breedlove attests to the pervasive holiday spirit, witnessing a substantial impact not only on her business but on various shops in the vicinity. The luminous downtown ambiance, coupled with the Winterfest activities, draws an increased nocturnal crowd, prompting many establishments to extend their operating hours.
Remarkably, Winterfest is a self-sustaining entity, devoid of financial burden on the city. Entirely orchestrated by volunteers, every penny of the proceeds is reinvested into the festival for subsequent years. Daughtry emphasizes the paramount importance of its perpetual continuation.
Her sentiment echoes, “Our primary objective is to bring joy to everyone. Witnessing the elation on people’s faces, especially the young ones, remains the ultimate reward.”
Daughtry underscores the event’s inclusivity, offering Christmas enchantment for children and families alongside a vibrant nocturnal experience catering to downtown enterprises. The distinctive blend of festivities encapsulates the essence of Winterfest, fostering a distinctive charm that resonates throughout Pensacola.
