Santa Claus Revs Up Land O' Lakes for the Holidays

Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmastime in Land O’ Lakes!

And that means it's time for the Heritage Park Foundation’s annual Traditions on the Green, kicked off by none other than the jolly ol’ elf himself.

Santa will ride into town on his motorcycle at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, for a complimentary pancake breakfast at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, Heritage Park Foundation president Sandy Graves said.

After breakfast, the fun continues with The Kids’ Christmas Corner, which will have activities for elementary school age children from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event, in its fifth year, will feature face painting, ornament crafts, gift making and letters to Santa. A Harry Potter castle moonwalk, puppet shows and a Ho Ho Hole Corn Hole Tournament will round out the merry making, Graves said.

Breakfast and activities are free while supplies last, Graves said.

And of course, what’s a holiday get-together without carols? Don’t forget your lawn chair, because Denham Oaks Elementary and the bands of Pine View Middle and Land O’ Lakes High will perform concerts on the lawn throughout the morning.

Schedule:

9 a.m. Denham Oaks Elementary

10 a.m. Pine View Middle

11 a.m.  Land O’ Lakes High

The event also will feature an art show by local young artists, Graves said.

Canned food donations for Metropolitan Ministries Pasco will be collected at the event, as well.

The Heritage Park Foundation began as a group of Central Pasco residents who wanted to see the community center park continue as a hub of the community of Land O' Lakes, Graves said in a previous Patch interview.

"The park started with Lakers dedicated to providing the monies to build it and continue with the activities that build a strong community. We want to keep that type of spirit alive."

Vendor spaces are available for $20. Call 813-996-3011 for information.