BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 13.
More than 80 children were signed up in advance for the holiday event that started with the children receiving gift bags as they entered the lodge.
While enjoying French toast sticks for breakfast, the youngsters received a visit from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and later searched for the 10 homemade Christmas ornaments crocheted by Moose member Janet Curran and taped to the bottom of 10 dining room chairs.
Moose member and event organizer Sandra Zenzel read aloud her favorite Christmas book, “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with the children reciting some of the more familiar lines. Zenzel said she still reads the book to her son (now in his 50s) and his family.
Just before 11 a.m., the children began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” before Santa arrived on the beach as a passenger in a Bradenton Beach Police Department vehicle.
The children enthusiastically greeted Santa as he made his way to the gift-laden Christmas tree inside the lodge, where he was joined by Mrs. Claus. Assisted by Rudolph and some Moose volunteers, Santa and Mrs. Claus gave a wrapped gift to each child as they were called forward one at a time by name.
“Santa Claus is here with all his helpers and this is our annual Christmas party for the local kids and Moose children,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said. “There’s nothing better than making kids and families smile during the Christmas holidays.”
The dog park’s large dog area is covered by sand in some places and grass in others. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
When addressing the tree lighting ceremony crowd, Chamber President Terri Kinder was joined by Santa (Bill Romberger) and an elf (Katy Demick). - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Youngsters enjoyed the bounce houses and slides. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Holmes Beach resident and dog park advocate Renee Ferguson addressed the Parks and Beautification Committee. - City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
