Downtown Clearwater’s Winter Wonderland Sees 25th Anniversary

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 06, 2017 -- On December 2^nd, the Church of Scientology and Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) celebrated the 25^th Anniversary and 2017 Grand Opening of Winter Wonderland, a Clearwater Holiday tradition.  Some 2,000 Clearwater children and parents attended, applauding the plug in of thousands of lights on over 70 Christmas trees for the most glittering, sparkling and fun-filled Christmas celebration yet.

“Snow” fell on the December 2nd Grand Opening and 25th Anniversary celebration of downtown Clearwater’s Winter Wonderland where some 2,000 visitors enjoyed the slides, bounce houses, train and pony rides, rocking entertainment and more. The event, produced by the Church of Scientology’s Clearwater Community Volunteers, raises donations of gifts and food for families in needed during the Holidays.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a257e78-11b6-4f8d-a404-ea3c8eb2c576

The opening event was led by Mr. Dylan Pires, Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology’s international spiritual headquarters in Clearwater. Guest speakers included Mr. Aaron Fodiman, co-publisher of Tampa Bay Magazine; Mr. Darren Waters, representing Nourish to Flourish, a program to feed chronically hungry children in Pinellas County; and Mr. Neil Brickfield, Executive Director of the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL). Both Nourish to Flourish and Pinellas PAL are benefitting from the donations collected from Winter Wonderland.

Ms. Pam Ryan Anderson, Executive Director of CCV, spoke about Winter Wonderland’s purpose: “Being a charity drive - food and toys - makes Winter Wonderland a very special community event,” she said. “Knowing that every toy and item of non-perishable food that is donated will go right into the hands of needy children and their families gives a great purpose to our little village.”

After Santa and the distinguished guests plugged in the lights, guests enjoyed live music from the Church’s Flag Band, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a bouncy house and petting zoo.

Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) began Winter Wonderland 25 years ago. CCV is a non-profit, charitable organization made up entirely of volunteers and was founded by parishioners of the Church of Scientology in Clearwater. CCV produces the huge Easter Egg Hunt in Coachman Park in Clearwater every spring, Fashions with Flair fashion show fundraiser and Winter Wonderland in Downtown Clearwater.

Winter Wonderland will be open from 6:00—9:00pm Wednesdays through Sundays until December 22^nd. For more information, please visit ccvfl.org. Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free however there is a small charge for some activities and the food items in the Hot Chocolate Shop.

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations. Based on L. Ron Hubbard's words, "A community that pulls together can make a better society for all," the Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs and community events. To learn more, visit www.scientology-fso.org.

Dylan Pires
(727) 467-6860