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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cBoth of our parents were very involved in the community. Last year, my mom was in the hospital for almost seven months with cancer. So just having somebody to pick up and be in that leadership role was really important and all the community needed,\u201d Medina said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With unwavering passion and determination, they rallied local businesses, volunteers, and the support of government entities within the town. Despite obstacles and challenges, they embarked on a mission to create a heartwarming event that would unite the community and create lasting memories for families, mirroring their own childhood experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their first tree lighting event was successful and attracted more than 2000 people to the historic Winchester square. Echoes of children’s laughter filled the air as they shared their Christmas wishes with Santa, carols rang, and other participants marveled at the glistening lights. The event received instant praise, reigniting the town’s festive passion and nurturing a revitalized sense of communal unity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the holiday season approaches, Tipps and Medina are gearing up for the second annual Winchester Tree Lighting event, and their enthusiasm is evident. The event is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Friday following Thanksgiving, promising festive amusement and entertainment for families. The square will be off limits to vehicular traffic, making way for various activities promising to bring joy and delight to visitors of all ages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis year, we\u2019ve got so much more that we\u2019re putting into it. We\u2019re really excited about it,\u201d Medina said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Attendees can anticipate various attractions, including Christmas carolers filling the air with festive melodies, Santa Claus lending an ear to children\u2019s wishes, and the Polar Express train offering rides around the community. A unique feature, the Christmas Tree Forest, will guide visitors through an enchanting woodland filled with Christmas trees, each possessing a surprise: princesses for children to meet and take photos with. The event\u2019s highlight will feature a live performance by local artist HunterGirl, infusing the stage with the essence of music and cheer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The event will conclude with the grand Christmas tree illuminated, an inspiring moment uniting the entire community. Local eateries will serve delectable dishes throughout the event, and a heated tent will provide a snug setting for families to savor their meals. It\u2019s an immersive experience designed to evoke the warmth and cheer of the holiday season while highlighting the local businesses that sustain Winchester\u2019s community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winchester\u2019s historic camaraderie and shared responsibility reminds us of a time when neighbors looked out for one another, something Tipps and Medina hope to preserve through this festive tradition. They envision a Winchester where children and adults can create cherished holiday memories for generations to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI work with a lot of these kids in my day job in the community, so seeing them is neat. And to know they have something to come to inspires me and makes me keep going,\u201d Medina remarked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As anticipation for the holidays grows stronger, let us remember the true spirit of the holidays is about coming together, celebrating community, and making lasting memories. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" RICKY TIPPS and Montana Medina\u2019s childhoods were highlighted by the town\u2019s treasured tree-lighting event and other festive traditions during the holiday season. However, as time passed, this beloved tradition gradually lost its brilliance. Motivated by nostalgia and a shared desire to reignite the holiday spirit, Tipps and Medina took it upon themselves to rekindle Winchester\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":21107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/franklin-county\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/11\/2-3-1024x683.png\")
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