The Church of Scientology’s Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV), invites you to join them for the grand opening ceremony of the 17th Annual Winter Wonderland in downtown Clearwater. As is tradition each year, this magical winter holiday village – which runs for seventeen consecutive evenings - is opened with an official holiday light up by community leaders: City Councilmember John Doran, CCV, the Church of Scientology and of course, the much anticipated secret-surprise entrance by Santa Claus. The special Grand Opening Ceremony will take place at 6:30 PM on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009.
Capture the magic of this holiday winter village, complete with five Tudor style cottages, set amidst a backdrop of thousands and thousands of twinkling lights - placed just so - on nearly 100 freshly snowed-on large pine trees. Just after the grand opening ceremony and surprise entrance by Santa, an abundant list of festivities will begin with children sitting on Santa's knee and decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus. There is a playground with swings and a fort to explore. Action abounds in the two bouncy houses and giant slide filled with children. Pony rides and a petting zoo create an even more delightful experience. The Tricky Dogs Show (circus style acts) will be the grand opening night’s entertainment performed on the large and decorated stage. Last but not least, let’s not forget children and adults climbing aboard the famous “Winter Wonderland Express” trackless choo-choo train. This sparkly village is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, and is admired and appreciated by kids of all ages.
Winter Wonderland, a holiday charity fundraiser, helps bring Christmas to children and families who might otherwise do without. CCV requests that visitors bring a new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food to put in the sleigh to help make the holidays special for needy children. Cash donations are also welcome.
The holiday festivities will continue this year from Dec. 4 to Dec. 20th. Winter Wonderland is open weekends from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM and weeknights from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Winter Wonderland is located at the intersection of Drew St. and Ft. Harrison in downtown Clearwater. Admission is free to all, but a small fee is charged for some of the activities to offset Winter Wonderland’s costs.
CCV was established in 1994 by parishioners of the Church of Scientology with the purpose of helping to create a better community for all citizens of the City of Clearwater and Pinellas County. CCV has raised money, food and toys for family and children's charities such as the Boys & Girls Club, Everybody's Tabernacle's Homeless Emergency Project, the Red Cross, Victims of Katrina, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. CCV gets its inspiration from a quote by L Ron Hubbard "On the day when we can fully trust each other, there will be peace on Earth"
For more information, go to http://www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org/
For more news on Winter Wonderland, go here.