The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce another smashing success! WinterFest 2012 with Vanilla Ice drew record-breaking crowds of over 4,500 people and thrilled the audience with the best of performers, emcees and many surprises.
Presented by the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Equestrian Sport Productions and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Wellness Experience and LED Source, the event provided a lineup of holiday performances, phenomenal food vendors, holiday shopping, chamber businesses expo, a visit from Santa and snow!
Local celebrity musical sensation, philanthropist and DIY Network television star Vanilla Ice performed his iconic “Ice Ice Baby,” “Play that Funky Music,” as well as a new recorded hit to an overflowing crowd. Our very own presenting sponsor John Wash was a hit on stage, providing the audience with many laughs and holiday cheer. Local dignitaries, including Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, former Mayor Darell Bowen and Chamber President Alec Domb kicked off this time-honored event.
Chaired by Dr. Randy Laurich of the Wellness Experience, this event is the most anticipated holiday event of the season. The exceptional hard work and dedication of sponsors, vendors and the professionals at PBIEC allow us to celebrate the success of this event. Bringing a “hometown” element to WinterFest is what makes it so successful. Family-friendly events such as a reading of the ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Margolis; a visit from Santa; a children’s area including carriage rides, reindeer and bounce houses; and a salute to the troops allow participation from the children and the families, and make everyone an integral part of the festivities.
The chamber wishes to thank our sponsors, without whom we could not host such a spectacular event. John Wash and the International Polo Club Palm Beach, presenting sponsor; Equestrian Sport Productions and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center; the Wellness Experience; LED Source; FPL; Hedrick Brothers Construction; Prescriptions Plus Inc.; Diabetic Support; Red Carpet Valet; and W4CY the Intertainment Network. A very special thank you to Mark Bellissimo, Michael Stone, Vaneli Bojkova and Paul Regal as well as Marcella Mirande-Ketcham, Rona Klein and Coca-Liza Mayor.
Our WinterFest vendors were BIBA NY, Blooming with Autism, Boresha International, Chappy’s Food Cart, Kangoo Club Palm Beach by Cheeky Fitness, Cold Stone Creamery, Costco Wholesale, Dr. Steven Miller, Equestrian Sport Productions, FPL, Glamorous Nail Spa, International Polo Club, Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Florida Inc., LED Source, Lively Lights, Luv My Puppies, Melody Creates, Paradise Kettle Corn, Perfect Smile Dentistry, Prescriptions Plus, Psychological Wellness Center, Rejuvia Med Spa, Smoke Inn International, Superfit Gym, Synaptiq Life, the Wellness Experience, Three J’s Cigar, TKC Future Fitness Isagenix, Tropical Laser, Ultima Fitness, Vanilla Ice, Village Music Center, W4CY, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Christian School.
This year we hosted a brand-new food and wine festival boasting the exceptional establishments of IPC and the Wanderers Club, Stonewood Grill, Taco Vida and Solo Cantina, PRP Wines, Polo West Cantina, Christy’s Bakery and Starbucks, as well as a red carpet photo booth courtesy of LED Source and the Wellness Experience.
Our performers could not have been more phenomenal! The talents of our local superstars are amazing. If you have not heard or seen of the following, please make it a point to check them out. They are exquisite each in their own. Thank you to Emily Brooke, Lexi Luca, Taylor Renee, Meghan Ritmiller, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, Wellington Ballet Theatre, Donna Tucci’s School of Dance, the Wellington High School dance team, the Kids Cancer Foundation and Low Bud.
Our local superstar Vanilla Ice astounds us each year. His spirit of giving and dedication to our community is outstanding. His efforts and those of his team (Frank, Wes and Chuck) make this event possible. Each is to be commended and thanked for their generosity and for giving back to Wellington. The chamber is grateful to have the privilege of working with them!
The chamber salutes all the exhibitors, sponsors, the International Polo Club Palm Beach and our gracious venue host Equestrian Sport Productions for making their contribution to Wellington’s unique lifestyle, its economy and this spectacular event! And to each of you for attending — for being part of this event and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you all next year! Happy holidays!
Michela Perillo-Green
Executive Director
Wellington Chamber
