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Jennifer Foote, a carriage driver with East Haddam-based Allegra Farm, introduce kids to horses Bongo and Victor during the town's Winter Carnival on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
Photo by Jarret Liotta
WILTON — Thanks to a fortunate break in the frigid weather, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce's annual Winter Carnival drew many families downtown on Sunday.
"It's great," said Megan Gay of Wilton, who made the rounds of activities on the Village Green and surrounding areas with her husband and daughter at the Winter Carnival. "We're having a great time."
"We love all the different activities," she said.
Visitors took rides around the village in a horse-drawn wagon, participated in craft and tech activities at the Wilton Library and mingled with vendors and representatives of local groups, including Wilton Go Green, which joined the event for the first time.
"Thank goodness it's sunny and it's not cold," said Tammy Thornton, Wilton Go Green's president.
"We're actively partnered with the Chamber," she said. The group was also using this opportunity offered at the Winter Carnival to educate residents about proper recycling habits and the sustainable diversion of food waste through composting and other means.
Sponsored in cooperation with Fairfield County Bank, the Winter Carnival was organized with the participation of Gregory & Adams, P.C., Kimco Realty, Riverbrook Regional YMCA, The Village Market, the Wilton Rotary Club, and the Wilton Library.
The Winter Carnival, which began as a way to bring neighbors together during the post-holiday cold weather months, brings an influx of people to the town center and to local businesses.
"It brings the whole town together," said Caroline Mandler, executive director of the library. "We're happy to participate every year."
Along with ice sculpturing, magic acts, face painting and more, the Rotary Club also held a marshmallow roast at the event.
"This is our way of giving back to the town," said Paul Hafter, a Rotary member, "and a way for us to hopefully get some new members for the club."
"And we like to support the Chamber of Commerce," he said. "It's just fun watching these kids have a good time."