PENSACOLA, Fla. – It’s not Christmas in Pensacola without Winterfest.
The celebrations continue downtown Friday night.
For two decades, the Winterfest has brought Christmas cheer to millions in Pensacola.
“People come to see us from all over this part of the country,” said Denise Daughtry, president of Winterfest. “Much to my surprise it turned into a regional Christmas event.”
More than that, the Winter Festival helps boost downtown businesses.
“Business has definitely picked up,” said Samantha Breedlove, co-owner of Rusted Arrow. “We had a lot of traffic and everyone was coming in. You could tell they had their little wristbands on from participating in something at Winterfest.”
Breedlove says they feel the holiday cheer this time of year.
“It’s had a huge impact on our business here at Rusted Arrow, but I think it’s in a lot of stores,” she said. “A lot of us start staying open later because downtown with the lights coming on and the Winter Festival, there are a lot of people downtown at night enjoying all the things going on.”
The Winter Festival also pays for itself, so the city doesn’t spend any money on it.
It is put together entirely by volunteers, with 100% of the proceeds going back to the festival the following year.
Daughtry says keeping it going is the most important part to her.
“I think we make everyone happy,” she said. “I think the bottom line is seeing the joy on people’s faces, especially young children.”
Daughtry says there’s something for everyone – Christmas fun for kids and families and a lively nightlife for businesses in the city centre.
Click here for the Winterfest schedule and ticket information.
