It’s No Snow Job--City’s Winterfest Is a Washout

Residents who were hoping to play in the snow here today likely will be dodging raindrops instead.

Winterfest, an annual event originally scheduled for today at Garden Grove Park, has been canceled because of expected rainfall, said Cal Rietzel, director of the city’s community services department.

Rietzel said that the event, held annually for the last four years and featuring arts and crafts, food booths and entertainment, attracted more than 1,000 people last year.

“But we decided that it was best to try and cut our losses,” Rietzel said. “We were expecting a delivery of 15 tons of snow [today] that was going to run us about $2,000. It would have been too late to try and cancel once the rain hits. It’s very disappointing because our staff has worked very hard on the event this year.”