SPENCER — The third annual Winterfest Christmas Marketplace in the center of downtown Spencer was once again a success, according to town officials.

The official count of visitors was just over 4,100, but board of aldermen member Pat Sledge pointed out that there were not official counters at the gates at all times, so “I feel confident there were more than that, but it was certainly successful.”

From ice skating to building gingerbread houses to games and shopping, the event has become a staple for the holidays in Spencer, drawing out local residents and visitors from the surrounding area.

Monday night, the town offered employees and their families a chance to come out and enjoy Winterfest as well, as a thank you for all the work staff put into the event.

Town Manager Peter Franzese pointed out that beginning in the fall and heading into the holiday season the town has a number of events, and the staff  “always steps up to make these events successful. Last night was a great event the culminate the end of Winterfest and to celebrate our staff and their families and show our appreciation.”

He said that this year the event took place in “temporary quarters,” since the new park in front of town hall is under construction, so Winterfest was on a smaller footprint than in years past, but he said “firs time visitors I don’t think would have known the difference.”

“We’re very fortunate to have the staff we do, who do double duty on these events,” added Alderman Steve Miller. He noted that not only did the town have Winterfest this past week, but they hosted their annual senior luncheon, and both were well attended.

“People said they had a great time and they were volunteers,” said Mayor Pro Tem Patti Secreast, “and I thought that was wonderful. I never thought I’d live long enough to see Spencer turned into a Hallmark town but darned if it hasn’t happened.”

She also offered thanks to the members of the high school football team and one of their coaches for coming out Tuesday afternoon and helping break down the event and clean up.

Board members also recognized international honor students from Livingstone College who volunteered at the event.

Sledge said the event had 66 volunteers who actually signed up, along with a number who just came to offer help, and one of the volunteers who was working with the gingerbread houses had one of the best quotes of the event.

“He said ‘this is the happiest place in the world,'” she told board members. “It takes more than a village to pull this off, so if you were involved in any way, shape or form, thank you. Look forward to next year in the new park.”