Hundreds braved the cold to attend the first-ever Clarkstown Winter Wonderland at Congers Lake Park Thursday.

The festive event featured holiday music, the lighting of a Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus. Carolers, hot chocolate and food were also available for all who attended. Children ate s'mores and watched as an ice sculpture was chiseled by hand.

Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann says the event was made possible by the superintendent of parks and donations from the community. He says $50,000 was raised by about 25 local businesses.

"There's really nothing like this on this side of the river in Rockland County," Hoehmann says.

The event also featured a holiday message from New York Yankees announcer John Sterling and a horse-drawn wagon.

The winter wonderland will be open every night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 1.