- April 26, 2024
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Santa Claus made an early appearance in Port Orange during the Thursday, Dec. 14, Halifax Health Winter Wonder Day event at The Pavilion.
The free event brought out children of every age to see Santa, get their faces painted, make crafts and ride a miniature train that made loops around the pond. Attendees also were able to experience a Christmas tree lightning to signal that Christmas Day is right around the corner.
Levi Phillips and Brooke Phillips were getting their pictures taken with Santa while their grandparents stood by and took pictures.
"I think it's wonderful," grandparent Janet Phillips said. "It's very organized, very nice."
According to Samira Smith, marketing specialist at Halifax Health, this is the fourth year that Halifax has sponsored the event. She added that it's a way for the hospital to give back to the community.
"Doing something in addition to being the community's hospital only makes sense that we're part of the community and involved and give back," Smith said.
Also present at the event were individuals and their dogs from Halifax's therapy dogs program. This included Lori Willick, therapy dog cochair, and her dog Abby.
Megan Harvell was at the event with her husband and daughter Brielle Harvell, who was getting her face painted — the first thing she wanted to do when they arrived, according to her mom who called the event "awesome and good for the little ones."
And while Santa was undoubtedly a hit, there was another attraction that children couldn't seem to resist. It was the snow machine blowing out little foam flurries.
That was where Danielle Copello and her two children, Madelyn Copello and Archer Copello, were having fun.
"This is awesome, the snow is the best part," Danielle said. "They got to see Santa and they got stockings. This is really cool and perfect weather too."
