WonderFEST looks to best fundraising goals

Delaware's biggest fundraising event, Winter WonderFEST, is now open every day through New Year's Eve.  The event raised over $100,000 for 17 local charities last year, and we're told they are looking to pass that this year.

With a week and a half to go, the event has drawn more than the total attendance last year of 47,000.

The Christmas Village and Light Spectacular are open 5 to 9 through New Year's Eve, with the Visit Delaware ice skating rink open from noon to 9.

The only exceptions are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where families can still take in the sights of the Light Spectacular at Cape Henlopen State Park.

"I think the most important part is what it brings to the whole region, the economy," says executive director Peter Briccotto.  "All the folks we have in our local businesses with their shops or restaurants.  We have just seen a whole new energy around Winter Wonderfest, and that was one of the biggest reasons why we did this, to make the area as lively as possible.  So I think the big increase in budget has not only been enjoyed by our festival guests but by our local economy as well."

The festivities close out on New Year's Eve day with a closing party from noon to 7 at the Christmas Village.  A special beach ball drop is planned for later that night.