Nov. 30, 2006 — Take time out from holiday preparations to celebrate Christmas in Coral Bay. The community, in conjunction with the Coral Bay Community Council, will get together Dec. 20 at the basketball court adjacent to Guy Benjamin School. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m.
"It's St. John coming together," organizer Alvis Christian said.
He said that the annual tradition was begun in the 1960s by Erlene and George January, Lucy Smith, as well as now-deceased residents Herman Prince, Arnet and Eudora Marsh, and Kiddo Matthias.
"They just got together and said they wanted to do something for the community," Christian said.
Neighborhood groups are invited to take their turn performing Christmas songs for those at the party.
The night wraps up with a visit from Santa Claus.
The community council will distribute gifts to the children.
Residents are asked to donate stuffed animals, books, games, balls, and any other appropriate gifts for the event. Drop them off wrapped at Connections East.
The council is also looking for cash donations to buy presents for youths attending the John's Folly Learning Institute Christmas party on Dec. 21.
For more information, contact the Community Council at 776-2099.
