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Since 2010, members of the Willmore City Heritage Association have partnered with local residents, volunteers and sponsors to host events like this, according to the history of Willmore City. Being one of Long Beach’s most historic neighborhoods, Willmore City is where the ‘past, present and future’ meet through a rich tradition, with the neighborhood hosting several community events throughout the year. ‘year.
Last year, winter events in Long Beach were called off, including winter in Willmore, as health officials urged the public to stay home and keep their distance due to the pandemic of COVID-19. This year, however, the children’s laughter could be heard once again as parents and children enjoyed the holiday atmosphere.
Actresses dressed as Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” chat with a child during the Winter in Willmore event on Saturday, December 18 in Drake Park. Photo by Fernando Haro.
Dania Rangel, who has lived in the region for about six months, experienced the event for the first time with her family. She said the winter events create a different atmosphere because “at some point everyone is in the same mood, the world stops for Christmas.”
Growing up with a single mom, disposable income was hard to come by, so events like Winter in Willmore made Christmas for Rangel, who as a child eagerly awaited toy gifts.
“It’s good to bring the kids out,†she said after taking family photos on the Winter in Willmore penguin cutting board. “Being here humbles you.”
Musical performances by Sidewalk Serenadez members, including “Frosty the Snowman”, set the mood for a nostalgic Hallmark movie. Also in attendance were workers from the Long Beach Public Library and Long Beach Transit who handed out books and tote bags.
Children pulled their parents from tent to tent to make sure they were enjoying all the event had to offer.
“It’s really good to be back because the kids are so fun and they really enjoy it,†said Judy Way, a longtime resident of the Wrigley neighborhood.
Way attended the event with her friends Dianne McNinch and Nancy Risch where all three volunteered to paint children’s faces. Due to COVID-19, the three friends limited painting to their foreheads and arms. Children who participated left their chairs with Christmas trees, candy canes or snowmen.
Volunteer Judy Way paints the face of Stefano Molina, 5, at the Winter in Willmore event on Saturday, December 18. Way and her friend Dianne McNinch gave the children the option of choosing between a snowman, a candy cane, or a Christmas tree to paint. . Photo by Fernando Haro.
At one point, more than 30 people lined up to toboggan, one of the most popular choices for participants each year. Carlos Molina, who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years, said this winter in Willmore was similar to those the WCHA has installed in the past, except for the new climbing wall which peaked at over 20 years. feet.
From the side, Molina guided her smiling 5-year-old son Stefano as he climbed the climbing wall. After gracefully falling off the wall, Molina and her son joined the rest of the family to experience the remaining activities Winter in Willmore had to offer.
Today I will be covering the Winter in Willmore event at Drake Park near downtown Long Beach, where the organizers and volunteers are currently based. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who would like to see real snow in #LongBeach. pic.twitter.com/oXnwuTxy5B
– Fernando Haro (@FernandoAHaro) December 18, 2021
IN PHOTOS: Christmas parade returns to Wrigley
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