‘Christmas at End of the Road’ gets needed support for 2026 show
Christmas at the End of the Road without the annual fireworks show?
Unimaginable, say many Winthrop business owners. Residents up and down the valley would likely agree.
But this year’s show, sponsored and funded by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, had been threatened by a shortage of funds to pay for the fireworks display. Now, it looks like the show will definitely go on, thanks to a surge of support last week.
Fundraising has been a challenge this year, according to Chamber Executive Director Autumn Jateff. But a couple of noteworthy donations last week closed the funding gap. That said, the Chamber will need business and community support to ensure that event has a viable future.
For years, the fireworks extravaganza has capped off Winthrop’s Christmas at the End of the Road celebration on Thanksgiving weekend. Despite seasonally chilly conditions, Riverside Avenue is typically packed with spectators to watch the rockets rise from the hill just west of town.
Longtime show coordinator Doug Mohre, former co-owner of Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe, used to go door-to-door collect funds from local businesses, and arranged for the pyrotechnics set-up and execution. Mohre retired several years ago, and the Chamber took over coordination of the event.
Subsequently, Jateff said, “Due to strict Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations regarding the handling and display of fireworks, the Chamber hired a professional fireworks company. This transition increased the total cost of the show from $10,000 to $18,000.”
At last week’s Chamber membership meeting, Jateff explained the fundraising quandary to a responsive audience. Jateff said that the Chamber is not eligible for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee grant funding, which does not include fireworks shows. And while it is a nonprofit, the Chamber is not a 501(c)(3) so is not eligible to be part of the Give Methow fundraising campaign.
Strong support
Several Chamber members expressed passionate support for the fireworks display at last week’s meeting. As the discussion continued, Rivers Edge Resort-Hoot Owl General Manager Jodi Dean composed a quick text to someone she thought might be a potential donor.
It was a long shot that paid off. Dean got an almost instantaneous “yes” and a $5,000 pledge from the Seattle Foundation. And Dean then pledged that Rivers Edge would match that with its own $5,000 donation.
Dean’s motivation was largely driven by tradition. “I think it’s idyllic … the fireworks display at the Christmas at the End of the Road celebration is for our local community especially the kids,” she said in an email.
Jateff said the Chamber has tried a variety of fundraising strategies. “We have launched multiple initiatives, including direct outreach to local businesses, community events (such as a barn dance), donation jars throughout town, partnerships with local organizations, and our ‘Buy a Star’ campaign,” Jateff said. “While these have generated some contributions, total donations remain significantly short of our target due to broader economic challenges affecting our community.”
The $10,000 boost made this year’s show possible, but Jateff said more work is needed.
Jateff pointed out that, historically, the display was primarily funded by local business sponsors, “several of whom are no longer able to contribute at previous levels.” Winthrop Ace Hardware remains a business sponsor.
In addition, she said, “the Chamber is currently working to catch up financially from recent years. While we have allocated a portion of our budget to the display, we cannot cover the full $18,000 cost without additional community support.”
Jateff said she also went door-to-door to contact local business owners, but kept encountering familiar stories. “Nobody has any money to spare, and we don’t really have that one big contributor any more,” she said.
Threat to business
Paola Merrill, owner of Trail’s End Bookstore, said in an email that “As a business owner, the idea of not having fireworks to conclude Christmas at the End of the Road is terrifying. The anticipation brings hundreds of people into our store, and has a much-needed economic impact on local businesses.
“We have endured a hard winter, a late highway opening, and a wildfire summer. It’s been brutal. If there is one event that guarantees winter revenue and reprieve, it’s this. We absolutely need it as we are also facing an uncertain winter with potentially low snow again.
“Christmas at the End of the Road brings the community together, but it also has a very real and necessary economic impact on our town. We are working families with small businesses, and one good day can help offset months of hardship. I think at this point losing this event could put it at risk of disappearing forever.
“If Winthrop stands for one thing, it’s keeping traditions and nostalgia alive — and we must deliver an iconic event. And personally, my 2-year-old is excited to see his first fireworks show (I’m sure he’s not alone), and that’s important too.”
Greg Wright, co-owner of The Iron Horse store on Riverside Avenue, said in an email that “Christmas at the End of the Road typically produces 80% of total November business at The Iron Horse, and the fireworks are the cornerstone of the weekend. If the festival loses that distinctive, we could lose nearly a month’s worth of sales.”
With the community’s support, Jateff is confident the fireworks display will light up the post-Thanksgiving skies again. “We’re still actively pushing forward with our fundraising efforts to help build up our savings and ensure we’re in great shape moving forward,” Jateff said. “If everyone pitches in, we can do it.”
HOW TO HELP
To donate in support of the Christmas at the End of the Road fireworks display:
• Visit https://www.winthropwashington.com/.
• email chamber@winthropwashington.com for additional information.
