By Grace Usher

The 33rd annual Winterfest marketplace on Main Street ended Sunday afternoon following a windy display of a wide variety of vendors with goods, services and more.

This year, the event boasted more than 250 vendors; many of which feature handmade items.  Visitors to Winterfest have the opportunity to come home with treasures.

Hosted by the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, the event was dedicated to Eileen Nexson, according to Chamber President/CEO Lisa Krueger.

Krueger said Nexsen was surprised to learn that she had been selected. Nexsen has been a volunteer at Winterfest since 2000, Krueger said.

“It went great despite wind damage to some of our vendors,” Krueger said.

Despite the weather woes, many shopping at Winterfest found treasures and fun at the event.

Bruce and Rita Kitsch are vacationing from North Dakota.

Bruce and Rita Kitsch with their Winterfest finds. Grace Usher/Riverscene Magazine

“This is our first time to Winterfest. It’s not like our Winterfest at home, more like a Summerfest!” Rita Kitsch said.

Bruce found a patterned button-up shirt. Rita went home with a handmade back-pack for her grandchild.

Ellen Eichler is a local Havasu resident who has come to Winterfest for years. She shared that her favorite find of the day was a Kokopelli wind chime.

Ellen Eichler with her new Kokopelli Windchime. Grace Usher/ RiverScene Magazine

Another group was a mix of the Deru, Wiese, and Adams family. The group was local and have come to Winterfest many times.

The Deru, Wiese, and Adams Family enjoy their new Winterfest finds. Grace Usher/ RiverScene Magazine

Each kid found a treasure of their own including mystery boxes with splat balls, polished stones, foam footballs and activity books.

Shelley and Jim Johannsson are winter visitors from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  

Shelley found multiple pieces of handmade jewelry including a heart necklace with matching earrings.

Jim and Shelley Johannsson with handmade jewelry. Grace Usher/RiverScene Magazine.

“I also found this two pairs of earrings that were made from recycled tin cans.” said Shelley.

There were treasures for everyone at the 33rd annual Winterfest.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Photo courtesy Dan Delasantos

Haylee McFarland works on her artwork during Winterfest Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Photo courtesy Dan Delasantos