Swannanoa Winterfest rings in the holiday season

Music, food, crafts and more in Grovemont Square

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 13, 2021

The sights of local vendors, sounds of live music and smell of marshmallows roasting over a cozy fire pit filled the air, Dec. 12, as the Swannanoa Winterfest transformed Grovemont Square into a festive holiday market.

The free community event, presented by the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library, returned for its second year, following its debut in 2019 and hiatus in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modeled after traditional European holiday markets, Winterfest was initially scheduled to take place on Dec. 11, but heavy rain and winds forced organizers to move the community gathering to Sunday. Attendees were greeted by a bright sunny sky and cool early December temperatures as they browsed offerings from local vendors, including Four Sisters Bakery, Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co., Cecilia’s Kitchen and more. Local nonprofit organization Bounty & Soul collected donations for its Healthy Food & Fund Drive.

Children spent the afternoon working on arts and crafts, playing on the nearby playground and enjoying sweet holiday treats from Olaf the Snowman, while musical performances included a festive set from the Asheville Ukulele Society. People of all ages perused the wide selection of material available in the Swannanoa Library’s used book sale.

Photos from the 2021 Swannanoa Winterfest can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.