The Mansfield Downtown Partnership invites friends of all ages to celebrate the start of the new season at its 10th Annual Winter Welcome. This fun, free event will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM in Downtown Storrs.
The frosty fun kicks off with a performance and community sing-along led by E. O. Smith Choirs. Choir members will then carol throughout the downtown while visitors enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.
Check out the decorated trees on Betsy Paterson Square, then vote for your favorite at the Partnership’s booth. The top three trees will win prizes! While you’re visiting the Partnership, be sure to pick up a gift bag filled with giveaways and treats from Mansfield businesses (while supplies last).
In 2020, the Ballard Institute’s display depicted the arrival of winter. Photo by Levin Aerial Works
Stroll along Royce Circle and visit community displays featuring games, crafts, and more! Participating businesses and community organizations will include: Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry; Chabad at UConn; Connecticut State Museum of Natural History; MES Cares; Renewal by Andersen; Rooted Dreams; Town of Mansfield Human Rights Commission; UConn Hillel; Villari’s Martial Arts; and Windham/Willimantic NAACP.
Enjoy performances and caroling throughout the event, including Nanette Addesso (indoors at 4:30 PM at the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry); UConn Tap Team (4:30 PM on Betsy Paterson Square); “The Snow Sisters” (5:00 PM on Betsy Paterson Square); and Husky Hungama (5:30 PM on Betsy Paterson Square).
“The Snow Sisters” and Santa Claus will meet and greet friends during the event. Find Santa Claus inside at Barnes & Noble UConn from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. “The Snow Sisters” will be in their ice palace on Royce Circle near UConn Urgent Care throughout the event (except for when they perform at five o’clock).
Members of the UConn Teacher Education Student Association (TESA) will read winter-themed stories at the “Book Nook,” which will be located on Royce Circle across from Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. Story times will be 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Mansfield Resident State Troopers will collect unwrapped toys and gifts for local children and teens. Mansfield Downtown Partnership/Paterson Photo
Visitors are encouraged to give back to our community during Winter Welcome by contributing to the Mansfield Resident State Trooper’s Stuff-a-Cruiser Toy Drive or to MES Cares’ clothing drive.
The Troopers request unwrapped toys for all ages (including teens), stuffed animals, stocking stuffers, or gift cards to local businesses, while MES Cares will collect new and gently used clothing and outerwear for all ages. Both initiatives support local residents in need.
To accommodate Winter Welcome, the following streets will be closed from 1:00 PM until 7:30 PM:
Bolton Road Ext.
Dog Lane from Storrs Road to Royce Circle (near Jefferson Fry Co.)
Royce Circle from Dog Lane to Wilbur Cross Way
West Access Road (behind 33 Wilbur Cross Way)
There will be no on-street parking on the above listed streets beginning at 9:00 AM.
Parking will be available in the Downtown Storrs Parking Garage, which is free for the first two hours and then just $1/hour thereafter.
For more information about Winter Welcome, please visit downtownstorrs.org/winterwelcome or call the Partnership office at 860.429.2740.