For immediate release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, April 23, 2023
The weather outside has been frightful. Fortunately, we have some adorable characters to introduce you to that will no doubt warm your heart as we prepare a brand new exhibit at the world’s largest children’s museum.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis welcomes families to join us for a new tradition this winter that features a whimsical cast of characters who will bring carnival favorites to an enchanted forest in a new exhibit called WinterFaire. There, families will embark on a brand-new winter adventure and visit a magical forest filled with games, an ice cave and other fun places to explore including a giant slide—with a winter twist! But first, we needed to name our new friends so everyone could get to know them. Our social media team @ChildrensMuseum asked for opinions, our followers voted and now our new forest darlings have names.
The Beaver
One of our WinterFaire characters sure to get things done is the beaver! She is a no-nonsense kind of gal and master woodworker. She will be one of five whimsical animals inside the enchanted forest. The top name options were Opal, Gerty and Fern. On November 18, 2023 when WinterFaire opens, you can put on an apron and get to work with Gerty– the name selected for this hard working beaver.
The Seal is a lover of carnival games and exudes happiness with a carefree attitude. He will encourage families to get in on the fun as he hosts a variety of carnival style games inside the WinterFaire enchanted forest. We asked families to help us choose his name from the following options: Pepper, Ringo and Flip. Clap your hands and flap your flippers for Flip, which will be the name of our seal.
The Fox is a warm, welcoming and curious fluffy friend. Families will be greeted by this cute critter as they enter the WinterFaire enchanted forest. Ember, Kit and Swift were the top choices. The winning name for her is Ember.
The next character sure to catch your attention with their color changing ability is the Chameleon. The vibrant little critter is knowledgeable in all things mystical, and will be seen perched on our illuminated frozen fountain within WinterFaire. The following names were considered: Indigo, Lumen and Chroma. In the end, Indigo was voted as our chameleon’s name.
The Ice Phoenix is possibly the most regal of all. He is brave, adventurous and daring. Storm, Talon and Razor were the finalist names. In the end, Storm reigned supreme and will be the name of our Ice Phoenix.
The Children’s Museum is excited to introduce the whimsical animals you will encounter inside the WinterFaire enchanted forest. “We are so thrilled that our fans helped us choose the perfect names for our friends,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, President and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “Gerty, Flip, Ember, Indigo, and Storm will be part of the carnival-like atmosphere of WinterFaire’s enchanted forest, where children and families will be delighted by interactive elements and a stunning environment of color and lights. We are beyond excited to welcome visitors into this brand-new tradition to create new wintertime memories together.”
Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience.
WinterFaire is presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers and is supported by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Delta Dental of Indiana. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP and The Heritage Group.
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram @childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.