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Fog/Mist Celebrating the holidays at the Freeport Recreation Center
With a pink bag and $6 in change in hand, Alex Gold, 8, counseled his 4-year-old brother, Jason, about choosing another Christmas present to buy for their mom during the Christmas and Holiday Boutique event at the Freeport Recreation Center on Dec. 8.
With a laugh, Alex and Jason’s dad, Michael, watched as his boys ex-changed money and perused the gift selections. “This place is great and amazing,” Michael said. “But I can’t wait until the holidays are over so I can give my wallet a rest.”
Throughout the Recreation Center, hundreds of local families milled about, shopping, admiring the Christmas trees decorated the week before during the Annual Festival of Trees, and waiting in line to meet Santa Claus.
“This event has grown tremendously,” Freeporter So-phia Johnson said as she took pictures of the decorations.
This year, the Christmas and Holiday Boutique was a new addition to the Recreation Center’s Christmas celebrations, said Victoria Dinielli, who manages the facility. “These events are free and intended to encourage and provide enjoyable experiences and a positive sense of community for all residents and their families.”
“There are so many products to buy —it’s really diverse,” said Tasha Butler, also of Freeport. “There’s something for everybody.”
While some visitors opted to shop inside, families gathered in front of the Recreation Center to welcome Santa Claus, who arrived atop the Freeport Fire Department’s Vigilant Hose Company No. 2 truck.
“Santa!” the children cheered when they heard the truck’s siren and spotted St. Nick waving.
When he hopped off the truck, the children gathered around him and they walked together to the Recreation Center’s Christmas tree. After a quick countdown, Old St. Nick lit the tree.
Frosty the Snowman also made a special guest appearance, along with Santa’s elves, who gave children balloon animals and painted their faces. There was also a comedy magic show.
The Freeport Skate Academy treated the crowd to its annual Ice Show, dazzling spectators with some impressive skating, accompanied by holiday music.
