- January 17, 2025
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The Grinch didn't bring down the happiness of Susan Mathis, left, Myla Mathis and Christian Williams.
Train rides were a highlight of the Winter Festival.
Diana Perez was ready to spread holiday cheer.
With matching sweaters on, Chris Dougherty, Kara Dougherty, 6-year-old Savannah Dougherty and their dog, Scout, were ready for the Winter Festival.
Carlie Chemidlin said she likes being the "silly girl" so she dressed as a Christmas tree while attending the Winter Festival with 11-year-old Reid Chemidlin.
Lindsey Trefz and Tim Gesing kept the energy up at the festival as the deejays.
It's not a Winter Festival until it's snowing.
Charlotte Torres, who is 4, hula hoops while it snows on her.
Shawn Hillis helped 8-year-old son Jace Hillis with his marshmallow while Judy Hillis watched 10-year-old Jacob Hillis roast his. "You're on fire," Judy Hillis said to Jacob Hillis about his marshmallow.
Kira Huefner, 8, Megan Huefner and Caleb Huefner roasted their personal marshmallows to various degrees. Kira Huefner liked hers to be slightly burnt while Caleb Huefner liked his to be more melted.
Santa asked children what their favorite cookie was before taking a photo with each of them.
Independence residents made their own gingerbread houses then voted for the best gingerbread house at the Winter Festival.
Lex Pronchuck and Dima Pronchuk visited Santa.
Rick Zepernizk, Bari Zepernizk and 9-year-old Keilah Zepernizk said they love this time of year and dressing for the holidays.
Tyler Jackson, dressed as an elf, handed out Santa hats to children.
Jacob Hillis, who is 10, watched his marshmallow roast in the fire pit.
It wasn't long before his white marshmallow started turning brown and black.
"You're on fire," said Judy Hillis, Jacob Hillis' mom, about her son's marshmallow.
"It was steaming on me," Jacob Hillis said with a laugh.
With his marshmallow well done, he was able to finish making his s'more and enjoy eating it during the Independence community's annual Winter Festival Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Winter Festival featured train rides, bounce houses, s'mores, visits with Santa and the Grinch and more.
