More Moms and Dads than originally anticipated will remain deployed during the holidays this year, so Community Programs is stepping up efforts to coordinate an event that focuses on those family members remaining behind here at Whidbey. 

MWR is working to make this year’s Winter Carnival the most memorable yet. The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nor’Wester. Employees and volunteers will transform the Nor’Wester ballroom into a wonderland of whimsical winter wishes by reinventing the traditional Winter Carnival and giving it a sweet Candyland twist. 

Community Programs is adding plenty of extra avenues to venture down, all involving activities relevant to the candy theme. Guests embark on their journey through the main Nor’Wester entrance. The doorway facing Lexington Avenue will transform into an enchanted forest, complete with a talking tree, at which kids receive a goody bag to decorate and a stamp card to mark their progress through each station of the game. 

As families enter, Mr. Mint guides them through a peppermint ring toss and candy cane reindeer craft. Attendees find their way through Gum Drop Pass, where they make gooey gum drop bracelets with Jolly as their guide.

Adults beware at Lord Licorice’s Castle, the fourth stop. Children can toss their parents into the Licorice prison, where the hunt for red and black candy ropes is on! A peanut brittle house serves as a relaxing pause where Grandma Nutt tells interested audiences sweet stories. Those are just a few of the surprises to expect at this year’s Winter Carnival, which also features Princess Lolly, an ice cream sea and a chocolate swamp. 

Santa is reserving a place on his lap for every child attending at King Kandy Castle, the final stop of the evening. Here, everyone will be able to put in their holiday gift request with Santa Claus, and volunteers will snap a photo of each child with the jolly old fellow. Santa’s helpers can print out the photo on the spot, and each family will receive a free-framed keepsake to take home. 

Other happy assistants will be present, offering snacks and sweet treats in various areas of the Candy Wonderland. Come out to enjoy this annual festival, which should prove to be the greatest in NAS Whidbey Island history! Everything on the docket is free of charge, including instant pictures with Santa, teddy bears, crafts, candy, cookies, cocoa, punch, hot dogs, chips and soda. 

Bring your children and grandchildren to the Nor’Wester on Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. to experience the magic!