Winter Wonderland made its return to Harmon Avenue last Saturday afternoon, drawing scores of residents into an area that had just been vacated by participants in Pelham’s annual half-marathon and 10K race. This marked the fifth year of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, which aims to bring families into the center of town and spread some holiday spirit following Thanksgiving.
Activities ranged from pony rides for the children, a petting zoo of various animals, a hot cocoa station, holiday music, a sing-a-long with caroling, culminating in a Santa Claus meet-and-greet for the kids.
Additionally, a handful of local businesses set up tables and awnings, allowing attendees to sample their wares and get to know more about their storefront businesses in town.
Vendors at Winter Wonderland included:
Dulce Treats
Alejandra Flores, owner of Dulce Treats and previous employee of Patty Pops, was one of the few vendors at the event. “Winter wonderland is very nice. I love that the community came out and that there are a lot of activities for the kids to do.”
Flores has been settled in for almost two months in her own storefront since the closure of Patty Pops. “[Patty] decided it was a good idea for me to continue with the cake pops, and I was happy to do so.” Flores is a huge fan of cake pops, especially its handful of flavors.
Toys by Chris
Chris Maselli, owner of Toys by Chris, returned to Winter Wonderland to share his array of toys. “I started working in concessions as a kid, and I started this business because I enjoy having fun and making others have fun,” he said.
Maselli enjoys coming every year, and finds it to be a fun time for both himself and the family.
Honey Notes
Jada Smith, alongside owner Shynae Nicole, braved the cold of the afternoon to bring their positive affirmations to the event. “Honey Notes is a candle bar and affirmation store. Everything is a one-to-one type of customer service, and very creative space,” said Smith. Honey Notes is keen on powerful affirmations, as well as “feeling good and smelling good,” said Smith.
Smith was very happy with the community’s turnout. “I love the ability to experience new things here and to see families spending time together,” Smith said.
As nighttime approached, kids eagerly lined up with their wishes for a meet-and-greet with Santa at the Gazebo. Once their requests were lodged with St. Nick, families gathered around the Christmas trees next to the Daranco Town Hall for caroling.
Jim Lofgren, Chamber of Commerce president, was elated with the outcome of the event. “The turnout was phenomenal today,” said Lofgren. “The park has been filled the entire time. We tried to make it a more intimate event, but I did not expect the event to be this crowded.”
This time around marks the first Winter Wonderland without former Chamber of Commerce president Cristina Chianese, who helped launch the event in 2021. She stepped down from her position in January, making way for Lofgren, who embraced the annual celebration. “We tried a new concept this year with making the event more intimate with a centerpiece and petting zoo to attract more families,” he said. “We wanted to lean in on Winter Wonderland and make the event more ‘residents-and-businesses’ together.”
As the tree lit up, children and parents all joyfully celebrated the end of a memorable day.
