published: Sunday, January 20, 2013

More snow in the forecast for eighth annual Winter Fest

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - Though most of the country, even parts of the deep south, are no strangers to the white, fluffy flakes of snow, Central Florida is a place where that type of sighting is likely only with a little help from local organizations.

Each year after the holidays are over, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast organization holds its biggest fundraiser of the year: Winter Fest. Winter Fest is headed and fully supported by the Thakkar Foundation. BBBS will be making it snow for the eighth year on Saturday. The giant pile of snow is always an instant hit with children of all ages; many who have been born and raised in Central Florida have never laid eyes on the real thing.

Winter Fest serves not only to put smiles on the faces of children in the community but to raise funds for more than 200 children involved with the BBBS Sun Coast program.

"All proceeds from the event will go towards enabling Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast to give promising futures to the children of our community through their one-on-one mentoring programs to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported relationships that change their lives for the better," said BBBS Community Resource Director Kiko Vazquez.

Of course, the snow pile is the most popular aspect of Winter Fest, but the event features a number of fun, family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

Bounce houses, inflatables, carnival games, outdoor bowling lanes, video games, face painting, Toby the Clown, a live DJ, yummy snacks and more will be available at Winter Fest.

Each year, more than 1,000 attendees soak up the moment and spend the day creating snowballs, snow angels and snowmen with family and friends - something most Floridians never get the chance to experience.

The Big Brother Big Sisters eighth annual Winter Fest will be held at the Sebring International Raceway (113 Midway Drive) on Saturday. Gates are open at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission price is $5 per person.

For more information contact Vazquez at 402-9001.