Residents came from throughout the area to enjoy a day of free fun Saturday at Winterfest 2019 in Fruitland Park.
Put on by Community United Methodist Church, the annual event is quite popular. And this year’s version was no different, as the festival that even features an authentic snow slide drew somewhere between 3,000-3,500 participants.
“Winterfest really brings the community together,” said Joey Landstedt, a contemporary worship leader at the church. “As both a local musician and a family living in Fruitland Park, we look forward to this event every year.”
In addition to the always popular snow slide, Winterfest, in its 14th year, also featured everything from jump houses to inflatable slides to a rock climbing wall.
There also were plenty of free prizes, a chili cook-off, cotton candy, hot dogs, shaved ice, kettle corn, a cake walk and bingo for participants to enjoy, among other things. And entertainment was provided by the Fruitland Park Elementary Chorus, Carver Middle School Band, Leesburg High School Band, Leesburg Elementary Chorus and others.
Throughout the day, eight bicycles also were given away. Mia Bella Salon & Spa and Chadia’s Hair Salon teamed up to provide 84 free haircuts. And a prayer tent was set up for anyone wishing to pray for the needs of family, friends and neighbors in the community.
Meredith Cheshire, who served as chairperson of the event, said she was thrilled to so many families enjoying themselves at the annual festival. And she offered a huge thanks to the 350 volunteers who helped make the day a success.
“It’s really wonderful how so many people can come together for such an amazing mission,” said Cheshire, whose husband, Chris, serves as mayor of Fruitland Park. “The beauty and grace of this event is in the details, the interaction of both church members and the community of Fruitland Park.
“It’s grace at its finest and we are all truly blessed,” added Meredith Cheshire, who also serves as president of the family’s medical practice, Mulberry Integrative Medicine and Faeve Plant Therapies, and was recently named Business Woman of the Year by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce.
Pastor Debbie Allen echoed Cheshire’s sentiments, saying it’s important for the community to share God’s love by welcoming everyone in his name.
“When we work with volunteers in preparation for Winterfest, we always tell them that their primary job for the day is not whatever they signed up on a list to help with – snow slide, food, etc. – that’s their second job,” Allen said. “Their first and most important job is to make sure that every single person who comes to Winterfest feels welcomed and feels loved.”
