COBB, Calif. – Children and adults are enjoying a rare treat this holiday season, provided by generous donations of both money and time to pull together an event for a community that has been stricken by grief and loss due to the recent wildfires.
“Winter Wonderland,” located at Black Rock Golf Course in Cobb, is free of charge and includes an outdoor skating rink, a zipline, photos with Santa and a craft area where attendees can make a personalized tree ornament out of a felled Valley fire log.
After a visit with Santa, children can choose between a wealth of toys and “mystery bags” filled with goodies.
Organizations involved in coordinating the event include Black Rock Golf Course, owned by the Moore family, along with Twin Pine Casino, Calpine Corp. and Friends of Boggs Mountain.
The event is sponsored by the Cobb Community Investment Committee and funded by Calpine at The Geysers.
Robert Stark, general manager of Cobb Area Water District, has been assisting with the planning effort for the event.
“I’m delirious with happiness about this,” Stark said. “These people’s homes have burned, but you can see the enthusiasm. It’s wonderful.”
Danielle Matthews Seperas, manager of government and community affairs at Calpine, said the idea began when local agencies came together to try to do something positive for those who have lost so much.
“We did this to try and keep the community together,” she said.
Beau Moore of Moore Family Winery and Black Rock Golf Course said the increase in donations to local projects due to the fires is the reason “Winter Wonderland” was able to come to life.
He hopes to continue it in the coming years, but is concerned about the possible decrease in donations during future holiday seasons.
“We want to, it’s on our list, we’re just crossing our fingers,” he said. “This is amazing for Lake County.”
The skating rink will be open through Jan. 3, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
A maximum of 50 people can skate at one time, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Skate time is limited to 45 minutes at a time, however, visitors can get back in line to skate again. Rental skates are available to all.
Santa will be visiting again from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
Volunteers are still needed. If anyone is interesting in volunteering for the event, contact Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center at 707-987-4270 or visit www.facebook.com/winterwonderland2015 .
Black Rock Golf Course is located at 16451 Golf Road in Cobb.
Melissa Hendrick is a correspondent for Lake County News.