A winter-ful Wickets wonderland
The group gathers around the fire. Photos by Brandy Muz
Onset through the trees.
The decorated stairs leading guests to the magic.
Center Director Angie Weldon.
Stuart Downie boats away on the chilly bay.
The decorating and snow clearing took staff three hours.
Tom and Deena Kinsky.
The Roux family gathers for s'mores.
Melanie and Amber Falardeau.
The group gathers around the fire. Photos by Brandy Muz
Onset through the trees.
The decorated stairs leading guests to the magic.
Center Director Angie Weldon.
Stuart Downie boats away on the chilly bay.
The decorating and snow clearing took staff three hours.
Tom and Deena Kinsky.
The Roux family gathers for s'mores.
Melanie and Amber Falardeau.
Though snow blanketed much of Onset, the cold never bothered the Onset Bay Center, anyway.
The Onset Bay Center held its first annual Wickets Wonderland Monday, Dec. 15 through Wednesday, Dec. 17. Participants bundled up and jetted across Onset Bay to enjoy an evening of s'mores, Christmas tunes and fun around the fire on Wickets Island.
Center Director Angie Weldon was stood offering hot chocolate to guests before their trip to the island. She said this is the centers first official year, as a sudden snow storm halted the 2024 celebration one hour in.
"A lot of people put lights up in their yards but this is something different, this is our yard," Weldon said.
Dozens of guests braced the chilly Monday weather with the paths to the boat and around the island cleared by center staff. Despite Jack Frost nipping at their noses, locals like Tom and Deena Kinsky hopped on for the ride.
Wharehamites for over 20 years, the pair have never visited Wickets, only paddling by on occasion.
"We had no idea that there's all these big beautiful trees here," Tom said.
Deena said that she was surprised at the view she got when she got to the top of the stairs. Bundled up next to the fire together, Deena said the boat ride over was her favorite part of the event.
"The view is great, you can just stand in the middle of the island and just turn in a circle and see the bay. It's amazing," she said.
Theresa, Steeve, Helena and Ava Roux all shared s'mores by the fire as the sun began to set. Though Helena and Ava have been to the island for school and summer events, the two said they liked Wickets in both seasons.
"I'd say mostly summer because I can swim in the water, but I do like winter too," Helena said.
For Theresa, the weather wasn't much of a bother. She said the snow reminded her of when she was younger, and that she was glad to get out and experience it.
"I just feel like we don't get it anymore, so when we do I feel like we need to celebrate it," she said.
Comparing the drop off at the dock to the reality television show "Survivor," Theresa said she appreciates Onset for its beauty like that of Wickets Island.
"If I had the extra money I'd get a second home out here," she said.
Many guests gathered around the fires together soaking in the holiday spirit. Sharing stories and making new memories, the weather wasn't a deterrent for some winter fun.
