From Dec. 1 to 10, the Marin Art and Garden Center hosted its first Winter Wonderland. The sounds of laughter echoed from the skating rink, lights twinkled as they hung above the Livermore Pavillion and families huddled around open heaters with steaming cups of hot cocoa. Although ice skating was open every day for both kids and adults to enjoy, the week also held events such as cookie decorating, performances from the Ross Valley Players, a candle lighting for the first night of Hanukkah and a children’s concert.
Cindy Barath, who helps in the Events Department for the Marin Art and Garden Center, was thankful for the sponsors who helped fund the event and saw how people were enjoying it.
“I think the little kids are having a great time. People seem to really like [the event]…[it’s important as it brings] a sense of togetherness [for the community] to come and get a little holiday spirit and be in nature,” Barath said. “We just really appreciate the Marin community, and [the community] outside Marin, learning about us and supporting us as a nonprofit.”
Holiday shopping was open on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Dec. 10, there was a WINTERMARKT holiday craft fair with local vendors. Vendor Julie Alonso had a stand at the fair with her own merchandise and enjoyed the joy that the event gave children from the area.
“It’s beautiful here. The other vendors are absolutely lovely. But I always enjoy [the kids] the most, at any event. And there’s just tons of kids running around and enjoying the magic of the holidays [here] and that really lights me up,” Alonso said.
The Winter Wonderland ended on Dec. 10, but Barath plans to continue the event next year.
