Photo by JOHN M. WISSOCKI // Buy this photo
Hundreds of Collier County residents showed up to share their Christmas spirit during the fourth annual Light up the Estates at Max Hasse Community Park in Golden Gate Estates, Friday December 2, 2011. John M. Wissocki / Daily News Correspondent.
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES — Collier County Parks & Recreation and the Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates held their fifth annual Light up the Estates event Friday at Max Hasse Park in Golden Gate Estates.
Hundreds of Collier County residents showed up to share their holiday spirit with friends, families and neighbors. Numerous activities were available, including face painting, crafts for kids supplied by Home Depot and a bounce house, just to name a few.
A surprise visit from Santa was a joy for all as he entered with flashing lights, chauffeured by a Collier County Sheriff's utility vehicle. Minutes after his arrival, Santa snapped his fingers and behold, the massive Christmas tree lit and the crowd applauded.
Hundreds of children lined up to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper in his ear what presents they would like for Christmas.
Ansel Davis, 4, stated, “I want a real light saber and a three-foot-tall Transformer.”
When asked what his favorite event was for the evening, Cody Alberry, 7, replied, “Well, Santa was cool but I really like the bounce house,” which seemed to be unanimous.
Kowiachobee Animal Preserve was present to display and educate the public on a few of its exotic and endangered species. Spunky, a very large green iguana, seemed to enjoy the company and light petting it received. Jade, a beautiful black leopard, seemed to be content in its enclosure, while Phoenix, a 14-week-old Florida panther enjoyed roaming around on its leash as though it was a large house cat.
Music throughout the evening was performed by members of the Abundant Life Christian Centre, who also perform at Palmetto Ridge High School every Sunday at 10 a.m.
The Collier County 4-H Youth Development Program was also present keeping the crowds entertained with cake walks.
Many families arrived with gifts in hand as Toys for Tots was present for collections to help support families in need.
- |
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.