For the past 21 years, the Winsted Winter Festival has been a bright spot during the cold days of December.

A Christmas parade, snowmobile show, hayrides, concerts, contests, and other festivities lit up the town in 2009, with the Winsted Wildcats baseball team serving as the parade’s grand marshals.

The winter festival event, sponsored by the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce, typically starts with the annual holiday outdoor lighting contest. Last year’s winners were Church and Trudy Remer at 160 3rd St. S, first place; Chad and Trish Stender at 650 Northgate Drive, second place; and Steve and Sue Kegler at 231 Andy Ave. W., third place.

Residents of St. Mary’s Care Center, along with members of the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce, were the judges.

During 2009’s festival, Flagship Bank Winsted and Winsted Floral and Gifts had their annual open houses, and there was also a silent auction at the Winsted library. The proceeds raised at the auction were divided between Holy Trinity, Winsted Elementary, and the Lester Prairie schools’ libraries and accelerated reading programs. A matching fund was provided by Thrivent Financial.

Festivities continued into the weekend with the sixth annual Christmas dinner concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winsted.

At Winsted City Hall, there were model trains, and vintage snowmobiles on display, along with chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by for a visit, as well.

Later in the day, people enjoyed a Legion Club dinner, a lighted Christmas parade, and a dessert social.

Music lovers were treated to a free Higher Ground concert at Holy Trinity School featuring singer and songwriter Rebekah Antoine.

Hayrides went to and from the city hall, sponsored by Fleischacker Landscaping and Carlson Orchards.

Planners are already looking forward to the 2010 celebration, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4.

The Winsted Chamber of Commerce float featured lighted reindeer and a sleigh.

Local Girl Scouts dressed as presents at the Winsted Winter Festival.