Submitted by Jeff Swanson, Woodville GarageBar
WOODVILLE, WI – JuleFest Celebration 2024 presented by the Woodville GarageBar will officially take place on Saturday, December 7 in downtown Woodville, Wisconsin. This celebration of lights will feature a festive holiday parade, a tree and downtown lighting ceremony, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a fireworks display. Additionally, following the fireworks, the Woodville GarageBar will have a toy giveaway for kids and will award prizes to the best parade entries before the musical talents of The White Keys take the stage starting at 8 p.m. The event is also a fundraiser for the Zion Emergency Food Pantry.
“Last year, we were asked to help resurrect Woodville’s downtown tree lighting ceremony,” said Jeff Swanson, owner of the Woodville GarageBar. “We wanted to do something more than just a tree lighting and to bring together the community to really celebrate the season. The response was simply amazing and this year we’re set to truly make this annual event the “biggest, little small-town holiday party in Wisconsin!”
Holiday Parade Registration is Open – Once again, the spotlight of the event will be the Jeep and Side X Side parade, as friends and neighbors join in the fun with their own creations, competing for “Best Of” prizes, including trophies, cash and more. To coordinate all the entries, the staging area and the parade route, we ask that all parade participants are registered by end of day on Tuesday, December 3. Registration can be done via email: fun@woodvillegaragebar.com, or by calling or visiting the Woodville GarageBar (715-698-2030).
Registration forms can be downloaded off the Woodville JuleFest Facebook page. There is a $25 registration fee which includes a $5 drink chip to the Woodville GarageBar. Proceeds from the parade entries will go to support the Zion Emergency Food Pantry and continued additions to future JuleFest Celebrations (i.e., improved holiday lights for the Village).
“Best Of” Categories: Awards will be made for five of the best, most creative parade entries. The categories for entry this year are: Most Festive. Best Representation of Wisconsin (Most Wisconsin). Most Creative/Funniest. Overall Best Jeep. And Overall Best ATV/UTV.
A Fun Day of Events – The overall schedule of events may adapt once final entries for the holiday parade have been received and the overall length of the parade is determined. In general, the schedule of events is as follows: 2-4 p.m. — Charity Hot Dish Challenge (GarageBar). 3-4:30 p.m. — Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (GarageBar). 4:30-5:00 p.m. — Pre-Parade music and entertainment (downtown Woodville). 5:00 pm — Village Lighting Ceremony (downtown). 5:10-6:00 p.m. — JuleFest Holiday Parade of Lights (downtown). 6:00 p.m. — Immediately following parade — Fireworks display (downtown). 6:45 p.m. — Kids Toy Drawing/Giveaway (GarageBar). 7:15 p.m. “Best Of” Parade Award Ceremony (GarageBar). 8:00 p.m. Music: The White Keys Band (GarageBar).
Nominations open for official “Tree Lighter” – Look for red nomination boxes around town and suggest a fellow Woodville resident who you think should be recognized as this year’s official “tree lighter.” A tradition with the Village for several years, this is an opportunity to recognize someone who makes a difference for the community. Boxes will be collected on Thanksgiving weekend. Residents can also nominate online at the Woodville JuleFest Facebook page.
Zion Emergency Food Pantry – This year’s charitable partner is the Zion Emergency Food Pantry. Each year, JuleFest engages with a local organization to help raise necessary funds to support their efforts and the betterment of the Woodville community. There are several ways participants can donate and support this important organization.
The charity hot dish challenge takes place from 2-4 p.m. and for a small donation guests will have a chance to sample and vote on their favorite hot dish from a variety of participating area bars/restaurants. Parade participant fees also go to help the Zion Food Pantry. Individual donations/contributions can also be made during the event. The Zion Emergency Food Pantry is an important offering of Woodville’s Zion Lutheran Church, helping our friends and neighbors ensure they have meals during the holiday season and throughout the year.
For more information on the Woodville JuleFest celebration, please contact Jeff Swanson at jeff@woodvillegaragebar.com or via phone at 612-306-7768.
