To the Editor:

Now in our 20th year, Altamont Community Tradition is pleased to invite the village and surrounding areas to WinterFest on Sunday, Dec. 11. With activities for all ages, WinterFest takes place across several village locations:

— Orsini Park

Activities will kick off at noon with our annual “Pet Pawrade” led by Santa and John Scally, our own village bagpiper. Walkers are requested to arrive by 11:30 a.m. We will walk on the sidewalks down Main to Lincoln, to Jay, to Maple and back to Orsini, where there will be free pet photos courtesy of The Altamont Enterprise, prizes, and a chance to sit with Santa until 3:30 p.m. There will also be carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m., food trucks, KettleKorn, and Boy Scouts’ fire pits. Until Christmas, you can hang your do-it-yourself ornaments on the Community Tree under the gazebo;

— Library

Stop in for a warm-up, make reindeer-food with the Girl Scouts, and check out the ever-adorable gingerbread houses made by children. Please bring a personal care donation for the Caring Closet. The library will be open from noon to 3:30 p.m.;

— Masonic Hall

While you're warming up with Starbucks coffee or cider from Altamont Orchards, you can vote on your favorite in the Festival of Trees and bid on lovingly decorated wreaths. You can also try your luck with the Made in Altamont raffle and silent auction, which feature beautiful and interesting items made by your incredibly talented friends and neighbors. There will be a “Letters to Santa” station to keep the kids busy while you visit with friends and neighbors. Funds raised by ACT allow us to offer our events for free and fund our annual Community Grant Program. Please note that trees in the Festival of Trees will be sold once they are “undecorated,” with the proceeds going to the Altamont Food Pantry;

— St. John’s Lutheran

Now celebrating its 150th Anniversary, St. John’s, at 140 Maple Ave., will open its Community Room at noon to children and parents to warm up with kids’ crafts with Mrs. Red Shoes and a bake sale. The carillon will play Christmas Carols on the hour through 6 p.m.;

— Altamont Reformed Church

The day will wind up here, at 129 Lincoln Ave., at 3:30 p.m. with a very moving living Nativity featuring scriptural readings and parishioners in beautiful costumes accompanied by live manger animals: llamas and miniature goats;

— Village businesses

Don’t forget to stop into village restaurants and shops! The Spinning Room will be open that day. Hungerford Market and the Main Street Café will be open with extended hours, Remedies will have a special tasting, and other restaurants will open with their regular hours.

WinterFest combines the efforts of ACT, old and new community businesses and institutions, long-time residents, and new arrivals. It’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors and thank the local businesses who have stepped up to support the community in a challenging time.

ACT is always looking for volunteers and board members with energy and new ideas. For more information, contact .

Laura Shore for the

Board and Friends of

Altamont

Community Tradition