The community is coming together for the school’s Winter Fest on December 16 from 5-7 pm at the main rotunda to celebrate the holiday season while showcasing school talent and supporting campus programs.
“I hope the community gets more into Chapin and sees their programs and what Chapin can offer,” sophomore Student Council secretary Rafael Martinez said.
Organized by Student Council, this event also serves as a fundraiser to help the organization arrange future activities while also opening Chapin’s doors to the east side community.
“This event makes me feel super excited because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays,” Rafael said. “I really like watching people happy, and Winter Fest gives people the chance to enjoy our school and everything we have to offer.”
The festival is open to everyone and will feature a variety of vendors selling things like books, snacks, clothes, jewelry, and other handmade goods. Finding these vendors, Rafael explained, was the biggest challenge with preparation.
“A lot of people didn’t want to participate,” said Rafael, “but I hope the vendors and more people will be able to spread their business or whatever they’re selling.”
Along with vendors, live performances will also be a major part of the event. There will be performances from the band, orchestra, and dance, along with art by the art classes, and all of those involved have been working to prepare.
“It’s pretty cool to have a Winter Fest at school and I’m really excited to play for my family,” freshman flute player Ephraim Briones said. “I’m really looking forward to playing this metal bell carol song, we practiced every week for it.”
Sophomore percussionist Elijah Gutierrez said the band’s goal is simply to spread joy.
“We’re playing Christmas carols the band has been working on,” Elijah said. “We just want the music to make people happy and put them in a jolly spirit.”
For senior second violinist Josephine Gutierrez, Winter Fest holds a special meaning and also looks to spread joy.
“I’m really looking forward to the concert as a whole since it is my last year,” Josephine said. “If people can see that we enjoy performing, they’ll enjoy it too.”
Josephine hopes this event will also bring more recognition to the fine arts programs.
“It’s a big collaboration between programs,” she said. “I hope more people show up and support what we do.”
As participants prepare to welcome families, students, and the community, Winter Fest guarantees an evening of holiday cheer, and for some, represents what the season is all about.
“This means a lot to me because I’m able to see more people connected to Christmas and it just gave me like a hope in humanity,” said Rafael.
