Monday December 1, 2008
For Immediate Release
Majority Caucus
Louisville Metro Council
Contact: Tony Hyatt 574-4137/526-3622
A holiday tradition will be making its return to one the city’s popular locations with the help of the Iroquois Area Business Association and the Louisville Metro Council.
“Winterfest at Iroquois Park – a Family experience” returns to spread holiday cheer and give a helping hand to the South Louisville Community Ministries. Winterfest was put on hold in 2007 after costs associated with the event surpassed $55,000.
“With a renewed spirit, it is good to see so many groups working together to bring holiday cheer to South Louisville” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “I applaud the businesses and social organizations that have come together for this event. By working together, costs were contained and families can gather for holiday festivities.”
Since its inception some 18 years ago, the festival has taken many forms and most importantly touched the lives of thousands of Louisville’s families.
Winterfest will officially kick off on Saturday December 6th at 12:30PM near the children’s play area.
“There are many holiday celebrations around Metro Louisville but this one is special to the people who live around Iroquois Park,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21). “It is just one more reason why people have come to love Iroquois Park.”
Metro Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and Doug Hawkins (D-25) are join Johnson and Butler in being sponsors of Winterfest. The Council members are partnering with the Iroquois Area Business Association.
Area business owners, local government and the community have come together in support of the South Louisville Community Ministries (SLCM) outreach to those in need. In addition, Louisville Fire Department will be present demonstrating their many roles.
Among the highlights of Winterfest aside from glittering lights and holiday cheer will be, Santa, “hable ingles y espanol'' which arrives at 12:30. The Jolly Old Elf will hear children’s wishes until 6 p.m.
Then at 4 pm, there will be a program honoring and remembering America’s military personnel. Colonel Rick Schwartz, Garrison Commander of Fort Knox and local veterans will join master of ceremonies and Vietnam veteran Ron Greene for this solemn occasion.
The Kenwood Heights Choir will conclude Winterfest with “Silent Night”. While at the Winterfest Wonderland, there will be church choirs, local school bands, children’s games, inflatable attractions and areas for Mom’s and Dad’s to rest their weary feet.
So you better watch out and arrive early, because Santa must leave by 6 pm. So many stops and so little time!
“At this time of year, we need to enjoy the season and help an organization that is helping those in need,” says Welch. “The Ministries work year round to help families and the elderly.”
South Louisville Community Ministries is a non-profit organization established by the churches of south Louisville whose mission is to bring community resources to bear on the needs of neighbors.
Currently, SLCM provides a Dare to Care Food Closet; emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and medications; Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors; a Dare to Care Kids Cafe for the Americana Community Center's after-school Program; and an Adult Day Center for frail older persons.
For more information about the 2008 Winterfest in Iroquois Park, contact Mike Jupin, Executive Director South Louisville Community Ministries at 367-6445, Barbara Nichols, Board Member, Iroquois Area Business Association at 889-6749 or Ray Whitener, Event Coordination 742-0081.
Sponsors:
Marianne Butler (D) 15
Dan Johnson (D) 21
Rick Blackwell (D) 12
Vicki Aubrey welch (D) 13
Doug Hawkins (D) 25