Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Winter celebration draws crowd in Henderson

WinterFest

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Home News

Robert Bevacqua, 4, center, finds a target for his snowball during 2008 WinterFest at the Henderson Events Plaza Saturday. The city trucked in man-made snow for children to play in during the event.

Henderson WinterFest

Justice Rodriguez, 8, looks for skating advice from her older sister Jazmynn Rodriguez, 16, at the ice rink Saturday during the 2008 WinterFest. Launch slideshow »

After a parade featuring a giraffe disguised as a reindeer, children and parents spilled onto the Henderson Events Plaza where the group was entertained by a craft fair, musical performers, pony rides and a petting zoo with llamas.

But despite the myriad of animals and the presence of St. Nick himself, for many children, the snow play area proved to be the highlight of the city’s annual Winterfest.

Henderson resident Teeta Smith was the frequent target of her grandchildren, with snowballs striking her face and the seat of her pants. Although wet, she wasn't afraid to get her hands into the ice, tossing snow back at Hannah, 5, and Cole, 4.

"This is a treat," Smith said. "This is the best thing they've had. (Cole's) got a good arm."

Her grandchildren had played in snow previously at Mount Charleston, but never before in the city. Other children simply enjoyed walking on the snow, smiling as it crunched under their feet. Eventually, Hannah and Cole tired of lobbing snowballs and set to work on a snowman.

While her grandchildren said snow was their favorite part of Winterfest, Smith's was "watching the children's eyes when they see Santa Claus."

She said she viewed the day as continuing the tradition of when she took her now-grown daughter to parades on Fremont Street.

"It's for the children, and for us to be children -- to relive our youth," Smith said. "I just think it's wonderful some things are kept alive and are not too old-fashioned."

After the parade, Henderson resident Angelina Tarver and her children, Soleil, 4, and Foxx, 6, went to the pony rides. Soleil said she enjoyed petting the animal during the ride.

Her mother said she appreciated the fact that Winterfest was free and that parking was surprisingly easy.

"We came for family fun," she said. "It's nice that they do this."

Brent Gunson's 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, was catching a ride on his shoulders as they passed by Santa Claus.

"There he is," he said excitedly to his daughters. "They heard Santa Claus is here."

He said he was enjoying the day as much as they were.

"We're having a great time," he said. "There's something for everyone."

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