April 1: Winterfest Wassailing

April 9, 2022  |  Photos by Gordon Miller

With a wintry mix of wet snow and rain falling, six singing acts took part in Waterbury Winterfest's delayed Wassailing event outside the Prohibition Pig Brewery on Friday, April 1.

The team called The Redundant Giraffes won the coveted trophy while the youngest wassailer, Yvette Shedrick, was a crowd favorite on the applause-o-meter performing "Back to That Girl" and "Cover Me In Sunshine" with her mom Amy.

Organizers hope for Wassailing to return indoors at Winterfest 2023.

Wassailing outdoors this year meant contending with Mother Nature on April Fool’s Day. Organizer Beth Gilpin was prepared with umbrellas, a pop-up tent and more. Photo by Gordon Miller

Wassailers came in many ages and sizes. Photo by Gordon Miller

The smallest was Yvette Shedrick, who performed with her mom Amy and won over the crowd. Photo by Gordon Miller.

Lindsey Bolger and Roger Clapp work the crowd to generate applause. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Wass A Lots perform: Sue Minter, Rebecca Ellis, David Goodman, Steve Lotspeich, Bill Minter and Lindsay Bolger. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Redundant Giraffes had the winning act and took home the Wassailing trophy for a year. Photo by Gordon Miller

Cold and damp didn’t deter the die-hards and Pro Pig lit some sidewalk fires. Photo by Gordon Miller

Grunewald and the Deutsche Bears were Eric Weeber, Rich Hayes, Brenda Caforia Weeber, Sergio Torres and Weezie Hayes. Photo by Gordon Miller

Wassailing event organizers Beth Gilpin (left) and Roger Clapp (right) address the audience gathered on the brewery's covered porch. Photo by Gordon Miller

A small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the show from the covered porch at Pro Pig Brewery. Photo by Gordon Miller

Patty Delaney and Beth Gilpin take a turn at the mic. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Mudflaps perform: Al Boright, Sarah-Lee Terrat, Henry Woodard (not pictured Beth Gilpin) Photo by Gordon Miller

Sarah-Lee Terrat waves to the audience. Photo by Gordon Miller