Washington Oaks trots globe for holiday party

By Shanna Fortier
| 5:00 a.m. December 12, 2012

Aaralyn Weeks plays dradle with her brothers, Avery and Austin, at the Holidays around the World Playground.

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

While walking down a candy cane-lined trail Saturday, Dec. 8, a deer leaped from the woods, crossing the trail ever so quickly — an unexpected visitor for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Washington Oaks Gardens State Park’s annual Holiday in the Gardens event.

Another visitor was Mrs. Claus, who hosted a tea party and story time for children. And of course, Santa Claus was also there to take pictures with children. The Holidays Around the World Playground provided hands-on holiday arts and crafts and games from cultures around the world.

In lieu of regular park entrance fees, admission to the event was a donation of a toy or nonperishable food item per person. The toys collected will be distributed by the Flagler County Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Church Women United Foundation will create food baskets with the food items and distribute to those in need throughout Flagler.