The unfamiliar crunch of snow as kids run through Bergfeld Park. It’s Christmas time yet again in Tyler and not too far outside of the park.
“The [most fun] things about this event is to see the children’s face as they play in the snow and ride down the snow hill. Many of whom never played in snow before light up as they throw a snowball,” said Debbie Isham, special events and recreation manager.
This is the fourth year the City of Tyler will be having “Holiday In The Park & Bazaar”.
“We are expecting over 10,000 in attendance for the two-day event. However, I feel it will be closer to 15,000,” said Isham. “This is a family event that everyone can enjoy from the littlest ones to the oldest.”
Holiday In The Park will be a two-day event starting on Friday, Dec. 11 and ending Saturday, Dec. 12. There will be a “Tubing Hill” and a snow play area beginning Friday. Ballet Tyler will be performing the same day in the amphitheater at 7 p.m.
Over 50 vendors will be available Saturday to purchase holiday gifts. Local dance groups, musicians and choirs will be performing in the amphitheater from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas season is my absolute favorite time of the year. I think it’d be really nice to be able to celebrate with people in our local community,” said Cherish Draper, education major. “Although I’ve never been to Holiday In The Park, reading the flyer I became immediately interested.”
KLTV-7 will be honoring the Salvation Army with special guests and gifts for the Angel Tree. Mark Scirto, KLTV’s chief meteorologist, will be assisting Santa for the third year in a row.
“[This experience has been] completely overwhelming. We do this in conjunction with the Salvation Army Angel Tree,” said Scirto. “We try to encourage people to give to the Salvation Army Angel Tree and they can do so by bringing gifts to the Bergfeld Park on the 12th or by going to the mall and fulfilling angels that way.”
Scirto also mentioned that “Holiday In The Park” will have a big surprise for this year. Santa will be arriving by air in a special sleigh.
Shortly after the early visit from Santa, families can relax and watch “Holiday Inn” starring Fred and Bing in the amphitheater at 6 p.m.
Holiday In The Park is free, however, concessions will be available for a fee.
“I’m planning on bringing my best friend. We will walk around bundled up, watch the children frolic in the snow play area, stay for the Christmas film as well as celebrate the Christmas season together,” said Draper.
For more information on how to volunteer for Holiday In The Park or how to sponsor contact Debbie Isham (903) 531-1214.
