Come to the free annual Christmas Festival Dec. 8 at IH Clubhouse, meet Santa and have complimentary pizza and hot chocolate.
Kim Odom, special events coordinator for the City of Lakeland, said the Festival is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road. It is sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department.
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza and Starbucks are sponsors and will offer complimentary samples.
“Santa is expected to arrive by 6:20 p.m., and will be traveling in his brand new Corvette,” said Mrs. Odom. “ On a countdown from the crowd, Santa will light the outdoor Christmas with his Christmas magic. Once the tree is lit, everyone is invited inside. Papa Murphy’s will serve up hot fresh pizzas for the occasion. Starbucks will donate hot cocoa to keep the chill away.”
She said Santa will set up shop inside the Clubhouse to meet the good little girls and boys of Lakeland and hear all their Christmas wishes.
As children wait to meet Santa, they can make crafts, have their face painted or visit Mike the Balloon Man. Children will have the opportunity to make a Christmas Wish List to hand deliver to Santa. “Who knows, maybe they will get a return letter from Santa in the mail,” said Mrs. Odom.
Parking will be available at First Baptist Church of Lakeland (across the street from the Clubhouse) and in the new gravel parking lot. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies will directing traffic. For more information, call Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717.
Any updates will be posted on the City Facebook and Twitter pages and Comcast’s Channel 19.