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Arcadia Weekly Nov 26, 2018
It might be a good idea to research some ice skating tips before metaphorically hitting the rink so as to avoid literally hitting it. - Photo by Susan Motander / Beacon Media News
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It might be a good idea to research some ice skating tips before metaphorically hitting the rink so as to avoid literally hitting it. – Photo by Susan Motander / Beacon Media News
Winterfest runs through Dec. 23
By Susan Motander
The infield at Santa Anita Race Track has been transformed into a winter wonderland the track is calling Winterfest. It has all the great touches that make a winter event truly wonderful: an ice rink with real ice, Santa on his throne, a giant snow globe visitors can enter to take photos, horse drawn carriage rides, draft horse rides for the adults and pony rides for the kids.
As all the infomercials say, but wait there’s more: Santa Anita paired with a marketplace called Odd Market to provide holiday shopping opportunities for those attending. There is even an “avenue” lined with a wide variety of food trucks with offerings ranging from pupusas to New Orleans specialties, from grilled cheese to kettle corn.
There were several special aspects to the opening weekend. On Saturday, Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay formally began the celebration by lighting the huge Christmas tree in the center of the activities. As a special thank you to first responders, they and their families were allowed in for free and given special packages for free ice skating and photos with Santa.
The entry fee to Winterfest is only $5 and parking is free. Enter from Colorado Place into Parking Lot 6 (infield parking). Prices vary for many of the activities, but the snow globe and the holiday movies are free. There are money saving packages available online at the Santa Anita website: santaanita.com.
