Bradenton's Winter Wonderland Canceled Because Of Ice Shortage

BRADENTON, FL — Facing an ice shortage following Hurricane Ian hit to Southwest Florida at the end of September, organizers are forced to cancel Bradenton’s Winter Wonderland festival this year, according to a city news release.

The event was scheduled to take place Dec. 10, but the cancellation is “beyond organizers’ control,” the city said.

In addition to the ice vendor being unable to supply ice for the holiday festival, other necessary equipment wasn’t available for the event due to supply chain issues.

“We know the expectations of the families that come downtown to enjoy this event,” Councilor Marianne Barnebey, the event’s organizer, said. “We considered many options for events and activities to make the festival go forward. But we didn’t want to cobble something together just to have the event; we thought it best to postpone and do it right next year. We hope to come back bigger and better.”

Winter Wonderland, which Barnebey launched in 1996, returned to Old Main Street last year after a nine-year hiatus, according to Realize Bradenton.

The event uses 20 tons of ice to create two large snow slides and one bunny slope, according to its Facebook page.

Mayor Gene Brown was disappointed that the festival can’t go forward this year, but he encouraged residents to still enjoy all the city has to offer during the holidays.

“The boat parade will still be happening that night (Dec. 10), and families can come down and enjoy the light displays along the Riverwalk,” he said. “Also, please utilize our Public Market and downtown retail options for holiday shopping. Even without our Winter Wonderland festival, the city is still in the holiday spirit.”