Hilldale Mall is holding a Winter What? event to help you temporarily escape from the cold, Wisconsin winter. The event, which is happening from Jan. 14 through Feb. 28, is made up of several summer-y activities, including a beach display with photo ops, deals from some of the mall’s businesses and so much more!

In the press release on the event, Nanci Horn, Hilldale’s General Manager, explained that this event is meant to act as a getaway from the cold weather.

“This year especially, we all just needed something fun. We hope the bright colors and summery activities will remind people of better days to come and make them smile as we navigate the long winter together,” she said.

The beach display, which Hilldale calls the “Pop of Summer” installation, can be found on the Green, located near the apple store. The installation includes hundreds of plastic flamingos, some of which are painted by local artists, tropical décor such as lit palm trees, a colorful light display, a tiki bar, and a large post card cut-out, perfect for Instagram photos.

In addition to this beachy display, the Winter What? event also includes several promotions from different businesses at Hilldale. You can visit the tiki bar every Tuesday at 3 p.m. for a cocktail demo hosted by local restaurant bartaco, go to Café Hollander to get $2 off the Dragonberry Daiquiri and Berry Blast Mimosa through the end of the event, attend the 4:30 p.m. class on Fridays at solidcore for a happy hour with raffles and goodies, and every Tuesday at Gigi’s Cupcakes, you can get a flamingo-themed cupcake.

Hilldale’s Winter What? Mascot, Hilda the Flamingo, will also be making appearances every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to pose for pictures and pass out goodies.

In addition to all of this, Henry Villas Zoo has partnered with Hilldale Mall for the Winter What? event. Thanks to the zoo, you will be able to learn flamingo facts while visiting the “Pop of Summer” installation. And, for every crispy avocado taco purchased at bartaco throughout the event, $1 will be donated to the zoo.

Hilldale is asking visitors to continue social distancing and mask-wearing for everyone’s safety throughout the event.

Julia Hix, Hilldale’s marketing manager, encourages everyone to attend the event because it is a safe, fun way to go out and do something.

“You can enjoy it safely and on your own time,” she said.

Due to the pandemic and the freezing, snowy weather, it can be difficult to find things to do, which is why this free event is the perfect getaway for everyone, and Hix described its purpose as “simply a surprise to brighten your mood!”

In the press release, Horn emphasized using this as an opportunity to get out of the house and spend time with your loved ones.

“Bring the kids, enjoy the fresh air, snap some photos and make some memories,” she said.