Winterfest 2007, presented by the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Hawley Partnership, brought hundreds to downtown Hawley this past weekend.

The fun began Friday evening, with the Opening Ceremony  and its first Bonfire at Bingham Park at 6 pm. Master of Ceremonies Sandy Gabrielson offered the over 80 residents who attended, free hot chocolate, a bonfire, Christmas carols, and friendship. Thought the weather was frightful (very cold) folks grabbed a cup of hot chocolate and gathered around the bonfire.

After reciting two poems, Gabrielson led the crowd in the singing of several Christmas carols.

Other Friday evening activities included the Hensel Photo Exhibit at the Hawley Municipal Building and the Winterfest Art Exhibit and wine and cheese reception at the Artisan Gallery on Main Avenue.

New for Friday's festivities, nationally acclaimed restaurant Torte Knox on Main Avenue hosted a Winterfest opening ceremony dinner/pre-concert dinner.

The highlight of Friday's activities was the Virgin Consort concert held at Queen of Peace Church, Chestnut Street. The Virgin Consort, directed by Hawley's Kyler Brown, is an internationally acclaimed choral ensemble of eight world renowned vocalists. This year marks the third year the Virgin Consort, known as a hallmark of the holiday season in New York City, visits Hawley for Winterfest.

Lots to See and Do

On Saturday, the Holiday House Tours left the Hawley Municipal building, running the tours all day long.

Cafe' Buon Giorno, a new eatery at the corner of Church and Penn streets, hosted a Champagne Brunch in the celebration of Winterfest 2007.

Activities continued throughout the day including music at the Black Bear Conservatory of Music, the Hawley library, the Looking Glass Gallery and many of the restaurants throughout town. Additional Saturday fun included portraits with Santa at Penny Lane Candies and Candles, book signings at the library, horse and carriage rides leaving from Miss Elly's Antiques, a free holiday show at the Ritz Theater on both Saturday and Sunday, and Christmas Tree Sales at the Hawley Train Station.

Another popular choice for Winterfest Saturday was the sixth Annual Cookie Walk and Victorian Tea held at the Presbyterian Church on Church Street.

Kay Stephensen and Ann O'Hara, members of the Wayne County Historical Society agreed that "it certainly is cold out but that hasn't kept people at home."

Winterfest Express Train Rides by the Stourbridge Lion brought people from Honesdale and Hawley for shopping and eating.

There were a variety of activities at the Hawley Library, including gingerbread cookie decorating, live music and a whole slate of author book signings and readings.

Saturday evening, the Hawley Cultural Center came alive with Victorian dancing. Top Hats and Lace, a local Victorian Dance group performed live, followed by social dancing and light snacks at the Cultural Center. Many area restaurants featured dinner specials and live entertainment on Saturday night.

Many restaurants were filled to bursting with customers as store fronts were eyed by holiday shoppers.

On Sunday, Settlers Inn held a brunch with music provided by harpist Diane O'Malley.

The Winterfest Raffle winner was also drawn at the Artisan Gallery. The prize for this year's raffle was an original painting donated by local artist Barbara Briden that was framed professionally by Peter Daniel. The painting was on display all weekend at the Hawley library.

Editor's note: Numerous photographs of the Bonfire and Saturday's activities will be printed in upcoming issues The News Eagle.