Children's Christmas Party brings out record numbers Published Dec. 10, 2009 By Andrea Stephens AEDC/PA Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn -- The annual AEDC Children's Christmas Party, held Dec. 6, welcomed another big crowd for the fourth straight year. More than 800 people traveled to the Arnold Lakeside Center to enjoy candy, cookies, cotton candy, hamburgers, hot dogs and other snacks, as well as visiting the guest of honor - Santa. Like years before, Santa arrived in style, this year in an Arnold Engineering Development Center Fire truck. Santa and Mrs. Claus and the large crowd were welcomed by special visitors such as Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, Frosty the Snowman, Ollie the Otter, the Grinch and various other characters. Different inflatables and a petting zoo were outside the center for children to enjoy. Once inside, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the children and handed out gifts. The annual event was open to all AEDC employees and their families and was co-sponsored by the Arnold Community Council.