Here is all you need to know to make this the best year ever!
Springmill is not on the tour this year; however cars will still drive by to see your displays.
Charities will collect donations on December 4–6, 11–13, and December 16 through Christmas Day.
Judging will be the evening of December 14. Banners will be attached to mailboxes indicating winners and prizes will be awarded to residents.
Luminary pick-up will be at the the Powell Home at 54725 Merrifield on the following dates: Thursday, December 17, 3-5pm; and Saturday, December 19, 2-4pm.
You can call Brian Powell at 574-303-4130, if needed. Luminary cost to residents: Minimum donation of .75 per luminary.
Sand will be delivered by December 17 in the Hearthstone cul de sac.
Police officers will direct traffic Christmas Eve.
2020 Charities
Alcohol and Addictions Resource Center (AARC) offers alcohol and other drug prevention, education, advocacy assessment, and referral for individuals and families.
Blue Star Mothers is a private non-profit that supports mothers who havesons or daughters in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Children’s Dispensary the program, A Place to be Me, provides social and recreational programs for young people with developmental, physical and emotional needs.
Center for the Homeless is the largest residential facility in our area for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. The center serves men, women, children and veterans each day. We usually support its Montessori Classroom but due to COVID, it is not currently operating.
Family Justice Center serves as a one-stop help center for victims of sexual and domestic violence. It works collaboratively with other non-profits and governmental agencies so that survivors and their families can quickly and confidentially seek resources and information. S-O-S, the rape crisis center, is also a program of the FJC.
Hannah’s House maternity home provides a safe environment and programming for young pregnant women.
In*Source provides Indiana families and service providers with information and training necessary to assure effective programs and service for children and young adults with disabilities.
Tri Kappa, South Bend Chapter provides financial support for five local charities each year.
Resident Prizes for Decorations
Decorating started early this year when some residents took advantage of the balmy weather prior to Thanksgiving. Perhaps others have followed suit and are ready to vie for the following prizes!
Best Overall
Best Front Door
Best Theme
Most Original
Best Faith-Based Theme
Martha Stewart Would Be Proud
Clark Griswold Would Be Proud
Rookie of the Year — lived here less than a year
Best Artisan (handmade)
Four judges’ picks
Traffic
Especially for our new residents who have not experienced this time of year in Winding Brook, please know that this is a highly popular event with people coming from literally all over the region. It is their holiday tradition and they come to expect us to outdo ourselves each year. With all of the interest comes traffic particularly Christmas Eve when we light luminaries and are all aglow in more than one way. It gets so busy that police direct traffic for us that evening! Please know that as residents, you have the right to enter Winding Brook Drive against the traffic. Just make it known to the security guards that you live here. The last thing you want to do is get in the line with everyone else and take the tour when all you want is to get home!