SOAP LAKE — The annual Winterfest event in Soap Lake was a resounding success this year, organizers said, bringing together families and community members for an evening filled with holiday spirit, gifts and festive fun. The event, organized by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, featured a return of cherished traditions, including the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and raised funds for the senior class of Soap Lake High School. 

"We try to make it all about the children," said Karen Woodhouse, president of the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce. "Watching the children's faces light up when they receive their gifts is what makes the event so special for me. Many families have larger households, and for some children, this might be the only holiday gift they receive." 

This year, the festivities were further enhanced with the traditional arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard a fire truck.  

"Santa’s arrival is always a highlight," Woodhouse said. “The children just get so excited when they see him coming down the street.” 

Chamber of Commerce Vice President Susan Carson reflected on the emotional impact of this year's Winterfest.  

“We brought back the tradition of Santa delivering presents to the residents of McKay (Healthcare and Rehabilitation), and that brought so much joy to everyone involved,” Carson said. “Each resident received a present and a card from Santa and Mrs. Claus, which they were thrilled about.” 

The core intent of Winterfest extends beyond just entertainment; it also serves to foster community spirit and encourage local engagement, organizers said. This year, the senior class of Soap Lake High School, advised by Lee Levett, participated actively in the event, running various fundraising initiatives.  

"Our class didn’t raise much, only $165 for our trip, but our goal was to have our seniors give back to the community that has helped raise them," Levett said. "We had our students dress up as elves and even one as the Grinch, distributing gifts and creating Christmas ornaments with the younger children in our community." 

Levett emphasized the importance of community service. 

“While we didn’t make much in terms of fundraising, our seniors got more from the experience of giving back than they ever could from money alone,” Levett said. “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces is invaluable.” 

Winterfest featured a myriad of engaging activities such as crafts, caroling, and a raffle fundraiser aimed to contribute to the seniors’ upcoming class trip.  

“There were multiple raffles, including a 50/50 raffle sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, which made for a fun, competitive atmosphere,” Carson said. “Local businesses also contributed generously to the raffle baskets, showing the strong support from our community.” 

Attendance at Winterfest this year was bolstered by the combined efforts of various volunteers and local businesses who contributed time and resources.  

“Winterfest is so important for our town,” Woodhouse said. “The commitment from volunteers is vital; we couldn’t do this without them. I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who helped put on not just Winterfest but all the events throughout the year.” 

As the festive evening progressed, families gathered around a beautifully decorated tree while indulging in hot cocoa, cookies, and other seasonal treats provided by local businesses. A favorite tradition continued with the “Turkey Bingo” event run by Bill Stevens, owner of the Del Red, who donated turkeys to ensure the seasonal celebratory spirit was alive and well. 

Despite not breaking fundraising records, the festive atmosphere and impact on community cohesion left many feeling uplifted.  

“This event is a reminder of the heart and warmth of our community,” Carson said.  

Woodhouse said they received positive feedback from this year’s event.  

“We aim to grow this event further each year and keep the spirit of the season alive in Soap Lake,” Woodhouse said. 

    Santa and Mrs. Claus sat with each resident of McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation to give them a present and a card and ask what they wanted for Christmas.
  

    One Soap Lake High School senior dressed as the Grinch for Winterfest, joining Santa and Mrs. Claus in holiday activities.
  

    A resident at McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation whispers into Mrs. Claus’s ear at Winterfest.