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City lauds Winter Wonderland turnout; barbecue cookoff raised funds for next year’s event
Summary
City staff reported a successful Dec. 12 Winter Wonderland at RGV Premium Outlets with accessible features and positive public feedback; a subsequent barbecue cookoff raised roughly $6,000 in team registrations and $7,000+ in sponsorships to support next year’s event.
The Mercedes police chief summarized the city’s Dec. 12 Winter Wonderland at RGV Premium Outlets, saying organizers delivered a family-oriented event with accessibility accommodations for seniors and residents with disabilities, strong attendance and no parking problems reported.
"We had a pretty good turnout," the chief said, adding that the program included a snow slide, moon jumps, toys and bikes distributed through donations and sponsorships. Several commissioners said they received positive feedback and reported commercial benefits: one commissioner said some outlet stores saw sales up "15–20%" compared with a typical day.
City staff also described a barbecue cookoff held to raise funds for Winter Wonderland logistics. Organizers registered roughly 30 teams (28 attended) and collected about $6,000 in team-registration fees plus more than $7,000 in sponsorships. The police department partnered with the Friends of the Mercedes Library to handle event funds and logistics; staff indicated the partnership was 50/50 for proceeds earmarked for next year’s Winter Wonderland.
Commissioners commended staff, Parks and Public Works, first responders and volunteers for the event’s organization and accessibility improvements. Staff said a few small operational changes are planned for the next edition — including moving some large inflatables and prepositioning a fire truck to reduce muddy areas — and that organizers will seek to secure additional bike donations to expand prizes.
No formal action was required. City staff said they will use lessons from this year to plan the 2026 holiday event and incorporate minor logistical changes recommended by commissioners and vendors.
