SPOKANE, Wash. – Winterfest, a popular holiday light show in Spokane, is opening its doors for free to Gold Star families this year.
This event, held at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, has been a local tradition for the past five years.
Brandy Johnson, a Gold Star family member who lost a loved one during military service, has been actively volunteering with the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project.
During her work at the fair, she met the organizer of Winterfest, who decided to offer free access to Gold Star families after hearing her story.
Johnson shared the importance of creating new traditions during the holidays, especially for those who have experienced significant loss.
“The empty seat at the table, the extra stocking over the fire are why it’s so incredibly important to establish new traditions during the holiday season,” Johnson said.
The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project is organizing two trips to Winterfest this weekend. The trips are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Gold Star family members interested in attending can email honoringheroes@wafhp.org for free access.
