| Santa's Village celebrates 24th year |
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Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008 9:55 am
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AROUND THE WORLD – Dozens of exhibits are featured at this year's Santa's Village and the theme is Christmas Around the World. Doors open at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
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The 24th annual Santa’s Village is gearing up for December 11-14, 2008, at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex, on the campus of UT Martin.
Slated for 6-9 p.m., Dec. 11-12; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 13; and 1-5 p.m., Dec. 14, the event will carry out the “Christmas Around the World” theme in scenes of holiday festivities from 10 different countries.
Also featured will be a giant Christmas tree, wagon rides on Friday through Sunday, MTD model train display, children’s inflatables and 54 shopping booths.
Twenty hours of continuous entertainment, highlighting regional talent, and a petting farm, will add to the festivities. Opening ceremony is set for 6 p.m., Dec. 11. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 worth of nonperishable foods and/or toys.
Service agencies receiving food and toys collected at Santa’s Village this year include: Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council, Obion County American Red Cross, We Care Ministries, Santa’s Helpers, Chimes for Charity and the Department of Children’s Services.
In the previous 23 years, Santa’s Village has collected $774,969 worth of food and toys and attracted 200,710 visitors to the community event. Last year, the value of the donations reached $60,685 and 12,837 people attended.
Organizers this year are hoping to break last year's numbers and set new records in helping the disadvantaged during the holiday season. Workers from the sponsors have been working for several weeks to design this year's theme in the pavilion and are expecting large crowds.
The Martin Parks and Recreations Department, C.E. Weldon Public Library and the University of Tennessee at Martin sponsor the village. Additional confirmed sponsors of the event include: University Plaza, Hamilton-Ryker, First State, MTD Products, Tyson Foods, Volunteer Community Hospital and Southern Source. All proceeds from Santa’s Village will go to help less fortunate families.
For more information, contact the Martin Parks and Recreation Department at 587-6784.
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