You’re never too old to for an evening with Santa Claus. Partaking in the reindeer games and other fun activities is enjoyable at any age.
The Portage Township YMCA members and Porter County community did all that and more on Friday with the joy and spirit of Christmas in the air, as they hosted the merry event, An Evening with Santa Claus.
“It’s something really nice for the families that we have in our program and the community, and it is something we consider an affordable family fun night,” said Cathi Srednoselac, the Youth and Family Programs Director at Portage Township YMCA.
The fifth annual event provided the opportunity to bask in the spirit of Christmas, but more importantly to bring families together to share in some joy and laughter.
Friends and family got the chance to enjoy nail painting, hair streaks, and tattoos in the “Peppermint Palace,” Dinner in the “Gingerbread Café,” make your own sundae, games, and crafts in “Santa’s Workshop,” and, of course, pictures with Santa himself.
Jennifer Bryan of Portage waited in line with her two ecstatic preschool children to take pictures with jolly old Saint Nicholas.
“We try to come every year, it’s something our kids look forward to,” Bryan said.
The smiles and laughter heard through the halls is certainly something that gets the volunteers and workers excited, too. Marija Ramon, a new volunteer, was thrilled to be giving back at such a festive event.
“I came out because this is just a fun event for the kids,” Ramon said, “It’s so fun to see how excited [the kids] are and it makes me excited.”
But the fun and games aren’t just limited to Christmas time and cheer.
“We hope people check out the ‘Y’ because we always do different family events and we have something for all ages here,” Ramon said.
For more information on more events and membership, you can go to http://www.ymcaofportage.org/.