Again, this year we had beautiful weather for this festive night and a huge crowd.  Thank you to all the residents who again this year championed the Winterfest food drive.  Two carloads of food were delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Lee’s Summit- the next day-just in time, as their pantry was getting bare.

The KC Chiefs Rumble drum line and the LSW drum line welcomed residents as they arrived at the luminary lit grounds.   Resident Phyllis Reynolds, lead the children of Winnebago and the Beta Sigma Phi sisters in many Christmas songs and the residents were asked to join in!  

Our Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Pro Tem, Jana Allen kept the program going with introductions of Donnie Campbell (our own resident Ted Lasso) and our lighting lottery winning family, The Bratton/Byrnes.   As soon as they hit the  switch- the lights came on and fireworks lit up the night sky! KC Wolf also added to the excitement of the evening, between his own antics, directing the choir, and also helping The Rumble bring Santa to the stage!   

The Elves worked hard to make sure there were plenty of things for kids to do-guess the candy, find out their SNOWMAN name, visit the bubble tents with the Grinch, Candy Cane, and Santa and Mrs. Claus and walk through the light tunnel with their lighted Christmas tree wands.   Then come inside and partake in hot chocolate and a wonderful buffet put on by Jordan and his staff at the AYC.

I would like to thank my co-chairs Carrie Dahmer and Ann-marie Verbrugge, all our wonderful sponsors, Jana Allen, Donnie Campbell, Mike Wilkerson (sound) the HOA Staff – especially Jerry and Allen for all the work on the lights. Except the magic tree -hats off to Doug and Carrie Dahmer and my husband Craig Brandon for 14 hours of work on that tree alone, but the MAGIC it brings makes everyone smile and it’s also good for some great pictures!    Also, The Van Maanen family (residents) for letting us borrow their screen and projector at the last minute!  So kind.  

The HOA Staff and our Police and Fire Department for being on hand.

Last but not least, the Elves who work hard for several months to bring the event to you each year. Meeting and planning and of course decorating the AYC inside and out!

Every year we try new things-some work and some don’t.   If you would like to become an Elf next year-we would love to have you.  Watch The Signal and the Lake Winnebago Facebook page in September for more information.  

                                   

2024 Elf Volunteers

Carrie Dahmer                                          Ann-marie Verbrugge

Doug Dahmer                                            Craig Brandon

Jenell Brandon                                           Connie Stephan

Kathy White                                                Matt White

Mike Sauber                                               Diane Sauber

Lisa May                                                       Ruth Menzel

Randy Cain                                                 Karen Cain

Janet Newhouse                                       Kyndra Hamblin

Connie Schenke                                       Heidi Wood

Shelly Dorsh                                               Wanda Johnston

Colleen Forgey                                          Sue Hendrix

Stephanie Campbell                               Robin Campbell

Dave Meyer                                                 Lauri Meyer

Phyllis Reynolds                                        Tom Reynolds

Sara McCambridge                                  Jeanette Parsons

Robbie Keeling                                          Tim Keeling

 

 

All the entrances to the lake are also decorated by Elves who spend many many  hours making them look festive-thanks to:

City Hall Entrance – Sherry Marko, Kelly O’Brien and Jan Majercik

Allendale Entrance – Susan King, Susy Schelp, and Jerry and Allen-HOA grounds crew

Wildhorse Entrance – Mike Sauber , Jerry and Allen-HOA

Villa Entrance – Robin Rysavy

Old 167th & Allendale – Mike Sauber, Jerry and Allen-HOA