The pandemic is bringing out the creativity in all of us, and this year’s edition of Wellington Winterfest is a case in point. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will present a limited admission drive-in event to celebrate the season on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be a little different this year, but we are going to make it work,” Wellington Chamber Executive Director Michela Green said.
She said that the event, Wellington Winterfest “Live From Your Ride,” is open to 320 cars and their occupants and that the $20 per car admission tickets are expected to go fast.
“It is going to be a drive-in event, and people can watch from their car or the space in front of their car. Everyone will have masks and will social distance,” Green said.
At a recent Wellington Village Council meeting, the consensus was that they welcomed the event, but stressed that Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be on hand to monitor traffic and only the 320 ticket-holding vehicles will be admitted. Any overflow of vehicles or spectators will be turned away so as not to create a potential super-spreader event.
Green said the chamber has arranged for food trucks for dinner, snacks and beverages, all with social distancing.
“It will provide an opportunity for families to get out and enjoy an event from the safety of their car,” Green said. “But we want to avoid people just showing up.”
The number of performers will also be limited this year.
“We are limiting the performers to three. We have Vanilla Ice, who has been with us for 13 years. We have Alex Shaw, and we have School of Rock,” said Green, who added that gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the music begins at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the live performers, DJ Johnny Quest will be presenting an eclectic style of open format DJ music known all over the world. The exact playlist depends on the crowd, night and venue. A South Floridian with more than 25 years of DJ expertise, Johnny Quest is best known locally for his Lotos Music Festival held annually in Boca Raton.
The show features popular kids’ band School of Rock and the music of Alex Shaw, plus local favorite for his philanthropic work and worldwide as a musical sensation, Wellington resident Vanilla Ice.
Green stressed that the safety of attendees, artists, crews and staff is the top priority. The new format is designed to maximize social distancing and will meet all local health and safety standards, as well as state regulations.
Attendees are invited to enjoy the show from their vehicle or directly outside their own vehicle. Chairs for directly in front of your car, food and beverages to party and truly make the experience unique to you are welcome. Patronage of the food trucks is also invited.
For tickets and information, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com/events/event/winterfest-2020-live-from-your-ride.
