Winter Wonderland to focus on businesses

Planning for Winter Wonderland is on schedule but some changes will be made including where the vendors are located and an enhanced focus on businesses.

During a meeting on Oct. 21, chamber director Angie Anspach said the booths and crafts will be located in the Eastern Pulaski Elementary School gym following the Breakfast with Santa event. Winter Wonderland is scheduled for Dec. 5.

“It will be a nice flow. They can go in and see the vendors and then at 10 o’clock we are going to move everybody uptown and get it flowing,” Anspach said.

Entertainment will be uptown and the parade will begin at noon.

As for the businesses, Anspach said, “We are hoping to promote everything from the south end of town to the north end of town — get it all encompassed. We are going around to businesses to see what they want to do — if they are going to have sales, we can promote it for them. Even if they are not chamber members, we are going to do it. It is a townwide thing.”

Chamber president Judy Heater said the group is working with the historical society to host some activities in the opera house including vendor booths and Santa will be there. The gingerbread house contest will also be housed at the opera house.

Anspach said there will be a scavenger hunt this year that includes a map. The hope is to get more people into the businesses. There will be a $50 cash prize.

In other business:

• Amy Cantu was re-instated as a board member after she resigned from the board.

• A financial statement was approved.

• The board approved to make a donation to REACT for their help during the Spirit of Pulaski County Festival.

• Judy Stinemetz was nominated as the chamber secretary. The nomination was approved.