Annual Children's Christmas Party returns Dec. 6

  • Published
  • By Tanya Haggard
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  The annual Children's Christmas Party will be held from noon - 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Arnold Lakeside Center (ALC) for ages twelve and under.

This event is free and open to all Arnold Engineering Development Center employees (active duty military, civil service, contractors), National Guard, Reserves, retirees and their immediate families.

Santa is scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m. by helicopter and will visit with the children. Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their elves will be in the Winter Wonderland tent to give out commemorative bears along with goodie bags to all the children 12 and under beginning at 1:15 p.m.

It is important to sign up by Dec. 1 so the elves bring enough.

There will be inflatable jump houses, rock climbing wall, petting zoo (1-3 p.m.), horse and carriage rides, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, face painting, letter writing to Santa, crafts such cupcake decorating and more.

A canned food drive will also be held so please remember to bring a contribution.

In addition to the various activities hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, ice cream, cotton candy and drinks will be available.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will have a number of special guests again this year. You may see Buddy the Elf, Frosty the Snowman or Rudolph just to name a few.

A special Santa Hotline, 454-SNTA (7682), has been setup for children to leave a message for Santa. This number may also be used by parents to register children for the event. Simply press 1 to leave a message or 2 to sign up.

If your child would like to write Santa a letter before the party, there will be a North Pole mailbox in Arnold Village. The mailbox will be moved to the party on Dec. 6 for the letter writing activity.

For event parking the ALC and Wingo Inn parking lot is being reserved for lodging guests and those with special needs. All others are asked to park at the Gossick Leadership Center (GLC). Buses will be used to transport to the ALC. Shuttles will begin running at 11:45 a.m.

We thank you in advance for being considerate of those in need. Security will be assisting to ensure successful traffic flow and limited delays of party attendees.