This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

VIDEO & PHOTOS: Bethel Winterfest November 29, 2013

Photography and Holiday Video by Paula Antolini

See video "greeting card" here (turn sound up or best audio via headphones): Bethel Winterfest 2013

View more photos here: picturesbypaula@aol.com

It was a fun weekend in Bethel as crowds gathered starting on Friday morning,  November 29, 2013, to enjoy the festive season, despite temperatures dipping low into the 30's. Free hot soup was being served at the Municipal Center lawn by Cub Scout Pack 156, and was a welcome treat donated by local restaurants.

A lovely "Santa Village" was on display there too, created by Bethel Girl Scouts Danielle Wildman and Christiana Ruiz, who earned their silver award by doing this project.

Many people "shopped local" at small businesses, which are all stocked with Christmas items, or individuals could also shop at the Christmas Marketplace that was indoors at the Municipal Center with numerous vendors. There was a wide selection ranging from hand-made books, jewelry, food, clothing, and much more.  Beautiful donated hand-made wreaths were for sale on the lawn too.

Santa Claus arrived via the Bethel Fire Department fire truck and was greeted by excited happy children who later got a chance to tell Santa what was on their Christmas wish list.

For creative food enthusiasts there was a Ginger Bread House Competition at the Bethel United Methodist Church on Greenwood Avenue, and also a Best Cookie Contest at P.T. Barnum Square.

Many chose to ride the Horse Drawn Wagon around town, sponsored by the Union Savings Bank, to catch a glimpse of the many activities.

The newly formed Bethel Arts Org. had art galleries all around town with amazing artwork of all kinds.  Most artists were present and were happy to chat about their work. 

The tree lighting took place at P.T. Barnum square Saturday evening along with a performance by the Bethel High School choir.

Some of the activities carried over into Saturday too.

View the video and view photos to see our wonderful town of Bethel!   

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?