Winter Wonderland event returns Friday
The annual Winter Wonderland event include snow sledding and snow piles for the thousands of attendees that come out to the Sunken Gardens the second Friday of December. Photo by Heather Young
Annual event features over 70 tons of snow
– The City of Atascadero is set to host Winter Wonderland 2023 this Friday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Atascadero, featuring over 70 tons of snow.
Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown area will be transformed into a snowy wonderland for this annual event. The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, Cuesta Springs Ice Company, and Atascadero Hay & Feed have collaborated to create a major snow pile area and a massive snow slide. Attendees can also enjoy Joe’s Little Train, various obstacle courses, a gladiator joust, bounce houses, bungy jump from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, and a special visit by the California Mid-State Fair Queen’s court, as well as a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For those looking to make progress on their holiday shopping lists, the event will feature offerings from downtown merchants and over 50 craft and food vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided at Historic City Hall throughout the evening, with performances by local groups, including the Atascadero High School Cheer Team, Fine Arts Academy Monarch Choir, Motions Academy of Dance, and more.
The schedule for the evening’s entertainment is as follows:
- 5 p.m.: Atascadero High School Cheer Team & Announcements from California Mid State Fair Queens Court
- 5:05 p.m.: Fine Arts Academy Monarch Choir & All District Elementary Choir
- 5:30 p.m.: Motions Academy of Dance
- 5:55 p.m.: Fine Arts Academy of Dance
- 6:20 p.m.: Atascadero Middle School Choirs
- 6:40 p.m.: Atascadero High School Choirs
- 7:15 p.m.: Atascadero High School Band
- 8-9 p.m.: Holiday Music by Medina Light Show Design
Scooter demonstrations by A-Town Park will take place throughout the evening.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will kick off the festivities with an appearance at the massive snow slide area, with Santa planning to take the first sled ride along with a few elves. If missed at the snow slide, the Claus duo can be found at Historic City Hall until 8 pm, accessible through the North Pole entrance on the West Mall side of the building.
