VISTA — Discover Vista will kick off its annual Winterfest — an afternoon replete with holiday festivities — through historic downtown from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec.8.
Touting its theme, “A SoCal Christmas,” the event, now in its eighth year, will be jam-packed with entertainment for the entire family.
“The magic of the holidays start in Vista Village,” said Stephanie Morris, community coordinator of Discover Vista. “Think sunshine, sunglasses, flipflops, palm trees, everything that’s about the SoCal vibe to be enjoyed in Vista.”
Mr. Elvis will emcee an afternoon of holiday reverie between two stages filled with live music, Christmas choirs, carolers and school presentations. An ornament painting station, a wreath-making booth plus a plus popcorn stringing in the Cinépolis Vista will be among the many on-site activities.
Santa and a mariachi band will roam among the many vendors selling holiday wares. The best tamale — ever! — making contest and an ugly sweater contest will take place between a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, holiday movies and a full holiday bazaar.
The Young Marines will present the American flag, sing the National Anthem and orate America’s Pledge of Allegiance
Discover Vista is a nonprofit 501 (c3) corporation that began as the Vista Village Business Association more than 40 years ago. Today, the entity works as a team of five “dedicated” female volunteers “fueled by a passion to invigorate Vista’s historic Downtown, the Village and the Cinépolis Plaza.”
“We’ve worked to form a tight-knit community of amazing people, activities and public events to collaborate with businesses and property owners to revitalize our growing community,” said Morris. “We are team players and collaborators who invite everyone to get involved.”
The board of Discover Vista includes Natalie Trevino, owner of Twice On Main, a clothing and accessory shop; Sarah Spinks, founder/president, of Backfence Society and artist “extraordinaire” at American Tattoo; Traci Lawson, owner of Apothecary Off Main; Janice Klafehn, a Vista historian; and Stephanie Morris, owner of Stephanie A. Morris/Bookkeeping.
Morris said that in their continuing efforts to support local charities, Winterfest 2019 will benefit Got Your Back San Diego, a nonprofit North County organization that provides weekend food assistance — in backpacks _ to children who lack a reliable access to a sufficient amount of nutritious food.
“We’re asking everyone to please bring a nonperishable food item to Winterfest to support this outstanding charity,’ said Morris.
Sponsors of the Discover Winterfest includes the Cinépolis Vista, Alchemy Print Co, EDCO and the city of Vista.
Visit www.discovervista.com for more Winterfest information.
