Fenton Jinglefest is a Hit on Saturday

Fenton’s Jinglefest on Saturday drew people from near and far, and the balmy (for December) weather certainly didn’t decrease attendance. Cheryl Jarding, of Rapid City, South Dakota, who was visiting Lisa DeLavergne, of Fenton, made Jinglefest part of her trip.

The two ran the 5K Jingle Jog together, with Jarding winning her age group and DeLavergne taking fourth in hers.

Jarding said Jingle Jog was very well-organized.

“I like to  run on black top, so that was really good,” she said of the course.

DeLarvergne liked the mild weather for the race.

It’s not the only race they’ve run together.

“She runs half marathons,” DeLavergne said.

They ran a 30K together in Wyoming through the Big Horn mountains, Jarding added.

“That was an adventure,” said DeLavergne.

Jinglefest was full of activities for all ages. Conner Sleep, 8, a student at Tomek-Eastern Elementary School in traced one of the ice sculptures with a finger. He was excited about having s’mores, Conner said.

Nearby, Animal Health Clinic veterinarian Dr. Sandy Smith offered Santa Paws photos for pet owners, of their animals with Santa. Each year, the clinic uses the proceeds for a charitable cause. This year, the money will help Emmett, a 7- to 9-month-old cat that was abandoned at the clinic after being found on the road with a badly broken leg and other health problems, Smith said.

Animal Health clinic treated Emmett for intestinal parasites and neutered him, and Smith took him to an orthopedic surgeon to have his leg fixed. In another month, the cat will be ready for a new home, she said. Some people have expressed an interest in adopting him, but no one has made a firm commitment, Smith added.

Behind the Joe LaVerdi and Alan Trasciatti, of Zambelli Fireworks, prepared for something new at Jinglefest — the first fireworks finale. At several minutes long, it could turn into a bigger show in future years, Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce President Shelly Day has said.

“It’s not a big show tonight, but it’s a nice show,” LaVerdi said.

The fireworks were to follow the annual lighted parade, always a big hit with Jinglefest-goers, Day said.

Patch readers can upload their own Jinglefest photos; let’s check out what you saw!