Kringlefest offers the chance to visit with numerous holiday characters.
(Photos provided)

WINONA LAKE — With Thanksgiving quickly approaching this week, many Christmas fanatics are excitedly beginning to “deck the halls,” create shopping lists and even put up the family Christmas tree. For those too excited to wait till Christmas day, Winona Lake Parks and Recreation Department is offering an opportunity to enjoy the season’s cheer.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, all are welcomed to attend the annual “Kinglefest” celebration, taking place this year at the Winona Lake Senior Center. The event, which has been celebrated in Winona since 2009, will offer both free and inexpensive activities for young and old alike.

“(The reason we do this is) to provide a free/inexpensive holiday event for members of the community while spreading Christmas joy and holiday cheer,” stated Parks and Recreation Director Holly Hummitch. “And because the smile on a child’s face makes everything I do totally worth it.”

Entertainment at the event will include holiday train rides; a chance to meet with Jingle Bell, a live Christmas reindeer;  And an opportunity to take a photo of the jolly old man in red — Santa Claus. Guests are asked to bring their own cameras, or camera phones, to capture the memory.

In addition, free and $1 crafts will be available as well as snowman and snow fort building should weather permit. A holiday shop where children of all ages can shop “in secret” to purchase a gift or wrap gifts for loved ones will be offered with each ticket/gift costing $1.

Hummitch notes any donations received during the event will go to the Winona Lake Limitless Park fund.