Discover Vista hosted Winterfest on Main December 17th in the Historic Downtown of Vista, on Main Street and S. Citrus Ave. Festivities kept visitors entertained.
The day was filled with activities that invited a diverse community to come together to celebrate the holidays. There was last-minute shopping in the vendor market, a Cake Walk that raised needed funds for the Rancho Buena Vista Boys Soccer Team and the Gazebo parking lot hosted food vendors from local businesses while attendees enjoyed delicious treats.
Mariachi music by Mariachi Orgullo Nacional entertained throughout the day. This young group of musicians are all talented and studying the craft of Mariachi to follow in and/or join many of their family members. Delighting us with this unmistakable respected means of music unique in the world. It was an impressive performance.
The Children’s Craft Corner in the Public Lemon parking lot was a myriad of excitement where children had their faces painted and bounced in the bounce house to their heart’s content. Ornaments were a popular craft as was the gingerbread house assembly. Not surprisingly all supplies were depleted before the end of the day and glitter was in the air. To add to the excitement for our littlest believers, Santa was on hand along with his elves to grant wishes, while Santa’s sleigh made the rounds attached to the tractor manned by our esteemed TJ Crossman of Crossman Auto Repair. The Vista Fire Department hosted a Candy Cane giveaway while the City of Vista had make-and-take crafts and supported the events and happenings.
Our MC, DJTigerlily kept attendees informed of what was taking place throughout the day. This included the ugly dog sweater contest sponsored by Viva La Pooch. Prizes were awarded to the ugly sweater, Mango the Morkie, uglier sweater, Mimo the Standard Poodle, and the winner, ugliest sweater, Loki the long-haired dachshund, by judges, Monique, David, and Kelly.
The most anticipated and well-attended contest was the Tamale making, held in front of the AVO Theater. Contestants presented a variety of Tamales with recipes collected and used by local family members as well as popular cuisine from select areas of Mexico.
Our judges for the contest were:
Dan O’Donnell, City Council Member District 4,
Corinna Contreras, Deputy Mayor & City Council Member District 1,
John Conley, City Manager,
Matt Doyle, Superintendent and
Michael Saldana, Firefighter/Paramedic and 2022 Vista Firefighter of the Year.
Each entry was presented individually, and First Place went to Mother and Daughter duo, Victoria and Tereza Lope, followed in Second Place by Salomon Reyes of Tortilleria Los Reyes.
Third was Leobardo Martinez from Izamar and Fourth place was awarded to Catalina Colon.
The tamales were delicious, and judges and contestants are already on board for next year’s Winterfest. The Discover Vista Team wants to thank all of those who made Winterfest a successful and enjoyable event for the City of Vista. Happy Holidays and see you next year!
