Hundreds of people were transported to a winter wonderland this past weekend at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds. 

Jefferson Matters hosted its annual Winter Festival, where 40 decorated trees were on display and people were allowed to vote for their favorites. According to Jefferson Matters, the tree that  was selected as the Adult People’s Choice was from the Koppen Family with “Homes for the Holidays,” and submitted by Isaac, Estella, Gabe and Alison Karber; as well as Todd and Shannon Hansen and Roger and Lynn Koppen.  The display was described as 56 wooden villages and a working train on a track at the base. The non-profit organization noted that everyone got to vote twice and the Koppen Family entry totaled 149 votes.

Jefferson Matters Director Matt Wetrich said there was also a Kid’s Choice Award as well, and the winner was the “Win-Tree Wonderland Tree-Pee” that was submitted by Candace and Justin Louk and Rachel and Noah Winkelman with 66 votes. According to the description, the tree acted as a photo opportunity for people to sit inside a hollow artificial tree. 

Wetrich talked about the Winter Festival being the final event that Jefferson Matters puts on to wrap up each calendar year, which is a great way to kick-off their donation drive.

“This is the kind of an event, one of a lot that we do throughout the year that’s free for the community, brings the community together, celebrating being a community celebrating various things throughout the year. It’s your funds that kind of support these things. So we really appreciate that. And when you see a letter showing up to your mailbox here in the next week or two, just keep these types of things in mind and supporting what we do there at Jefferson Matters.”

Wetrich adds that they accept donations anytime of the year and those can be tax deductible donations as well.