Fourth Annual Winterfest Expands Sandy’s History with New Additions

By Abby Haney

Two workers diligently work together in Centennial Plaza to put up Sandy’s Christmas tree that will be lit up and decorated. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will happen Friday at 5:30 and followed by events taking place in the museum and Meinig Park.

A highlight for many Sandy residents is the Sandy Mt Festival that takes place in July. Since its beginning in 1973, residents have celebrated the festival over the course of many days. It is a beloved tradition and over time, changed to include more entertainment for participants. While Sandy Mountain days provide excitement in the summertime, Sandy lacked the same spirit in the winter. However, starting in 2021, that changed with the new addition of Sandy Winterfest. This year marks the fourth annual Winterfest, the newest tradition added into the history of small town Sandy. 

Over the course of four years of planning, Sandy added a new winter festival, Winterfest, to bring more holiday spirit into Sandy. Even though it is relatively new, it already is a popular and well received event. Due to the positive feedback from residents, it has expanded and each year new activities are added. 

Unlike Sandy Mountain Festival, Winterfest takes place over the course of over a month, starting on Nov. 21 and ending Jan. 5. On Nov. 21 is Sandy’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony that takes place in Sandy’s Centennial Plaza, kicking off Winterfest. The tree lighting isn’t new to Sandy as it has been occurring for over 20 years. However, the lights in Meinig Park are new with the addition of Winterfest. 

“We’ve been adding that on each year as far as lights and decorations,” Parks and Recreation Event Coordinator Carol Cohen said. 

All throughout Meinig Park are Christmas lights that the public can view. Meinig Park is a staple in Sandy but due to the cold weather season, it gets unnoticed. Winterfest shines light onto Meinig and brings attention back to Sandy’s beloved park. 

“Meining Park is this jewel of our city and we really appreciate it but due to weather and light and restraints, it’s not very active in the winter,” Park and Recreation Community/Senior Center Manager John Wallace said. “So what can we do as a city to activate the amazing amenities we have to our amazing community that are low cost. So with that idea I think this idea of a holiday winterfest idea was generated.”

The entrance of Meinig Park is decorated for Sandy’s fourth annual Winterfest where visitors can explore the lights that light up the beloved park. Lights will be turned on on Nov. 21 with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Winterfest began as an idea by Sandy’s mayor in 2021, Stan Pulliam.  From there, it was a chain reaction where the idea followed to directors of Sandy’s Park and Recreation; they participated in meetings discussing the visualization of the idea. Eventually, it was brought to Sandy’s Recreation Department, which plans the events, and the park crew, who handles lights and decorations. 

Winterfest is mainly a free experience for visitors but revenue is still needed. In order to create some, new events were added for more public entertainment. However, this isn’t their main source of funding. Businesses around Sandy can pay to be a sponsor under three different levels: Gold, Silver and “Friends of the Lights.”

“I think the majority of our sponsors do it because they love the mission and vision of the event that they want to help support it, keep it sustainable but in return, what we can help offer back for their sponsorship is being able to highlight and promote and give them credit for great community partners,” Wallace said. 

The different level of sponsorship is dependent on money they allot to Winterfest and in return, the advertisement they showcase. Gold sponsors are the highest where they get the opportunity to “show up to all of our events, have a table, promote their business and give out free stuff,” Cohen said. “Gold are the ones that we do a lot more from them and they can be more visible than the others.” All sponsors get significant advertisement but some work behind the scenes, supporting the missions and vision of Winterfest. 

Winterfest brings positives to the community and city of Sandy with economic growth, tourism, business impact and creating a “feel good aspect.” Many people have special memories associated with this time of year. By adding and expanding Winterfest, Sandy residents and tourists can create and add to their memories during this time. 

“We would love to see Sandy be known as a winter holiday destination,” Wallace said. 

Santa with his reindeer is one of the many lights and decorations placed within Meinig Park to bring holiday spirit and Christmas joy into Sandy during the wintertime. This year marks the fourth annual for the Winterfest event.

A huge goal and influence for Winterfest is gaining Meinig involvement. However, another focus is promoting local businesses, including local vendors at Meinig Park’s Holiday Market. 

“Our goal was to get nonprofits at our events so that it wouldn’t cost us any money but it would also be helping us help them because they’re local in our community and getting the word out,” Cohen said. 

Come to Sandy’s Centennial Plaza to watch the Christmas tree light up, meet Santa, enjoy tasty treats and hear carols sung by Sandy High School’s choir. At the museum, enjoy making Christmas crafts and eating popcorn. The museum is also looking for any volunteers interested in playing Christmas music on their recently tuned piano. More Winterfest events will happen throughout December and articles detailing Winterfest history in the making will be released through it all. 

Abby Haney is the Editor-In-Chief at Sandy High School for the Pioneer Press and is a writer at large for The Sandy Historical Society.