ROCK SPRINGS – Christmas in the Park is an opportunity to have fun while giving to those in need. The event, which is organized by the City of Rock Springs Civic Center Programs Department, accepts donations of coats, toys, food, blankets, pet items and diapers. The contributions will benefit several local charities – The Coat Bank, Toys for Kids, The Food Bank, Project Linus, The Soup Kitchen, The Diaper Bank, Rock Springs Humane Society and The Salvation Army.
Raffle tickets will be given for donations with hourly prize drawings, said JJ Syvrud, Recreation Center Superintendent with the City of Rock Springs. Raffles will be held at 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm and you must be present to win, explained Syvrud. The 5 pm raffle will be for grand prizes including a 6-foot-tall Christmas stocking full of toys and goodies, a season golf pass to the White Mountain Golf Course and $100 gift certificate.
The event will feature live music, games and the man of the hour, Santa Claus. The first 600 kids to attend will get a free stocking and three thousand bags of candy will also be given out, donated by the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and Wal-Mart. This family affair will be held in Bunning Park from 1-5 pm. Originally organizers planned for the affair to end at 8 pm; but with anticipated snow and cold temperatures, changes were made.
There is no charge to attend this event which also features free hot chocolate, coffee and cider and a warming tent. Syvrud said there will be several games on hand for children to play to win small prizes. Syvrud said Christmas in the Park is a fun, family activity for everyone to enjoy. He advises the community to dress warm and be prepared for cold Wyoming temperatures by wearing coats, gloves, hats and footwear.
The day’s entertainment will feature guitar students from The Pickin’ Palace playing Christmas songs from 1 to 2:30 pm. A popular local rock band, Zam Trip will play from 2:30 to 3 pm. It’s Showtime, a children’s vocal ensemble, will perform at 3 pm.
Attendees are in for a special treat at 3:45 pm with a performance from Brandi Chubb, formerly of Brandi & Sweetwater. Chubb moved to Arkansas earlier this year, but is coming back for the event. She is one of the main people who got this event started several years ago, Syvrud said. After Chubb’s performance, choir students under the direction of Physhaunt Westbrook, a local music teacher, will sing a variety of Christmas favorites.
According to Anne-Marie Foster, Administrative Assistant, the event would not be possible without generous contributions from local businesses. Sponsors for the event are City of Rock Springs, Ron’s Ace Rentals, Pickin’ Palace and CJ Signs. Other business who have contributed raffle prizes include Hampton & Newman, Murdoch’s, Ace Hardware, Waddell & Reed – Jason Radakovich, Boot Barn, Grub’s Drive-In, Dominos Pizza, Sweetwater Laundry & Dry Cleaning,Wyoming Embroidery, Touch of Class Floral, Pla-Mor Lanes, Hooligan’s Espresso, Quiznos, Salon Nova, Zoobeck’s Pets & Supplies, Local Color, Boschetto’s European Market, Taco Time and Western Wyoming Beverages.
In addition to Christmas in the Park events on Saturday, the public is encouraged to attend the Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade at 5:30 pm that evening. After the parade, Santa will be available again to meet young friends at The Broadway Theater, beginning at 7 pm.
It is also the perfect time to bundle up and stroll around downtown Rock Springs to view holiday decorations in the windows of local businesses, said Chad Banks, Director of the Rock Springs URA office. This is the first year for the “Decorate Downtown” window and storefront decorating contest, Banks explained.
