WILTON, CA (MPG) - The Wilton Winter Festival returned to the Wilton Community Center on Dec. 6, drawing several hundred residents despite chilly, foggy weather in sharp contrast to last year’s unseasonably warm 60-degree day. Organizers said attendance was slightly lower than 2024’s record turnout but described the event as another success.

The festival offered several free craft activities for children, including decorating a holiday frame, making an ornament, assembling a Santa and decorating sugar cookies. Kids received event “passports” stamped at each activity station; once completed, the kid were rewarded with a candy cane.

About 25 vendors participated, selling baked goods, crafts, kettle corn, and other items. A pancake breakfast and a pulled-pork or chicken sandwich lunch were available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting local teachers.

The festival’s highlight was the parade, which organizers said was one of the longest yet, with 18 entries, some featuring multiple vehicles. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reserve deputies assisted with road closures, and one reserve officer led the parade in the Sheriff’s Office Mustang.

Longtime residents Bill and Alice Kutzer served as grand marshals. The California Highway Patrol participated with a restored 1955 Buick Century from the CHP Museum. Also marching were Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume and members of his staff, Badger Creek 4-H, a local veterans group, Cub Scout Pack 16 and several Wilton residents and businesses.

The parade ended with the Wilton Fire Department escorting Santa to the community center, where children queued up for photos and shared their Christmas lists. Volunteers served homemade cookies donated by local bakers and hot cocoa to help keep attendees warm.

The event was sponsored by the CSA 4B (Parks & Rec) Council and the Wilton Community Center nonprofit.