Downtown Cleveland Alliance is making a list, and, yes, checking it twice. The nonprofit’s been working hard to figure out how to safely bring Winterfest back to Public Square while also introducing some new ways to get in on the fun. DCA president and CEO Joe Marinucci walks us through a few things to know about the event, which kicks off Nov. 28 with a tree lighting, and runs through the new year.
New Year, New Tree
As always, the main event for Winterfest is the tree lighting, and this year promises to be a memorable one. A new, energy-efficient LED system will illuminate the tree, making it possible to animate it and the rest of the displays found around Public Square. “I think the ceremony has been in place for probably 37, 38 years,” says Marinucci. “It’s kind of the ceremonial kickoff of the holiday season for the community.”
Winterfest Two Ways
This year, DCA is working to livestream the event so that people can experience Winterfest from the comfort of their own homes. “They can tune in through various platforms to kind of share in the excitement,” Marinucci says. But he says DCA is also working with the city of Cleveland to make it safe for some people to enjoy in person by expanding the size of the event to take up Public Square’s large footprint. “There’ll be horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday performances,” Marinucci says. “We’ll ensure that the event is safe and healthy.”
Support Downtown
Marinucci hopes that even if some people watch the initial tree lighting from home, that they will eventually make their way downtown to see the lights and visit spots such as the Cleveland Public Library, 5th Street Arcades and more. “That’s one of the main focuses,” he says. “What we’re hoping to accomplish is to invite people to come down and spend time in downtown Cleveland."
