By Tech. Sgt. Rebeccah Woodrow, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published December 05, 2019
A U.S. Airman holds a phone at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 3, 2019. The event displayed is Wyvern Wonderland, an annual winter event hosted by the Aviano Community Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebeccah Woodrow)
A Christmas tree is set up at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 5, 2019. The tree is a part of Wyvern Wonderland, an annual event to celebrate what the winter season brings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebeccah Woodrow)
A Wyvern Wonderland event sign is set up at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 5, 2019. Wyvern Wonderland is an annual event that includes a tree lighting, ice skating rink, tubing, food, live entertainment and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebeccah Woodrow)
The Community Center will be hosting ‘Wyvern Wonderland’ on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
This annual event is a chance for all Aviano Air Base members, with base access, to celebrate what the winter season brings – even a special guest from the North Pole will be making an appearance.
Events will take place at Wyvern Town Center and include a Christmas tree lighting, live entertainment, tubing slides, an ice skating rink, food, and more.
“This event was created for the Aviano Air Base community,” said Katie McGill, Community Center lead event coordinator. “It can be difficult during the holiday season to be far away from home and family so Wyvern Wonderland aims to bring everyone together to have fun and celebrate the most festive time of the year. There are activities for all ages at this event and we encourage everyone to come out and partake in the festivities. We are hoping that Wyvern Wonderland brings a sense of home, unity, and fun to the community.”
Wyvern Wonderland is created by the Community Center bringing together various base entities in order to serve those working and living around base. Although planning begins early in the year, the final event is achieved in 7 days.
“It is magical to see how everything comes together after months of planning,” said Katie. “Base wide events would not be possible without the support of numerous agencies around Aviano. CE, LRS, Security Forces, Force Support Squadron, WSA, CPTS, ITAF, AAFES, Medical Group, Fighter Wing, and a number of private organizations and volunteers all work together to make this event possible. Their support is invaluable.”
After the main event on Friday is over, there will be additional time to enjoy the tubing hill and ice skating rink.
Katie said, “The holiday season is a busy time of year so in an effort to bring holiday cheer to those who might not be able to make it out to Wyvern Wonderland, both the tubing hill and ice skating rink will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will be completely free.”
The Community Center’s future events include hosting pictures and cookie decorating with Santa on Friday, Dec. 13, starting at 3:00 p.m. Holiday Bingo will follow this event.
To get more information for future events, please visit www.31fss.com.
Please note: This event may cause gate delays and will block off a section of the parking lot in front of the base post office until Dec. 10.