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Santa To Ride In On A Golf Cart

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Every year Mayor Joe Affronti looks forward to the free, family-friendly Winter Wonderland, an annual event at Riverhills Park that is hosted by the city.

On tap this year will be eight tons of manmade snow that is meant to attract children of all ages. There also will be hayrides, a bonfire, a moon walk, face painting, games and arts and crafts.

"It's a wonderful way to kick off the holidays," said Affronti, who for the second consecutive year plans to participate in the lighted golf cart parade. The golf cart promenade is the feature of the evening's activities and was started last year to replace the lighted boat parade.

The last cart in the procession will escort Santa Claus to the park's gazebo, where he will greet the children, listen to their Christmas wishes and supply them with treats.

Misty Winter can't wait to see how her teenage children decorate the family's golf cart.

"I've asked each of my kids to do a part of it and I'm excited to see what they come up with," Winter said. "Christmas in our family is a time to create memories and this will definitely be one of them."

There is no fee to enter. The only requirement is that entrants pre-register by calling Temple Terrace Recreation Complex staff members Cori Collins or Danielle Perez at (813) 506-6600.

Temple Terrace resident Ann Simmons especially enjoys the Christmas caroling, an idea she came up several years ago after attending a similar event in North Carolina.

"It's kind of the icing, I think - it really adds a lot," she said.
Peter Palmer of Broadway stage fame; Bob Kranendonk, a former vocalist with the Fred Waring Orchestra; and Mike Streeper, who has sung in church choirs since childhood, will be among the singers leading the caroling.

Emily Howell, known to many throughout Temple Terrace for her singing voice, will join the trio for the first time.

"As a child of Temple Terrace who grew up here, I'm very happy to be part of it," Howell said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Winter Wonderland
WHEN: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday. Caroling will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the lighted golf cart parade will start at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Riverhills Park, 329 S. Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace

INFORMATION: (813) 506-6600

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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