With the holiday season fast approaching, what better way to bring about the wonderful joy of Christmas than spending some time at Charlotte’s very own Bennett Park? Dec. 23, Charlotte High School students and community members are hosting a fun-filled evening open to anyone and everyone.

Between 4 and 7 p.m., there will be fun for the entire family. To participate, park at Bennett Park and enter the path that begins in the rear (east) parking lot. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and take a stroll through the lighted trails and admire the Christmas decorations. This will lead you right to Camp Frances, which will be magically turned into Santa’s Workshop for the evening. After the long walk, take a moment to warm up at the campfire. Once you’re nice and warm, take the little ones over for crafts and final letters to Saint Nick before the big day. The kids can even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus inside of the Workshop.

Santa will be bringing some real reindeer along as well, and your family can see them in the Rush Reindeer Ranch. Before you leave, enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn wagon! The event organizers hope to see you and your loved ones come out and join them in spreading the Christmas spirit.

This event is completely free to the public thanks to the following sponsors: Can Do!, Meijer, Dr. Barnes and Charlotte High School, The Rush Family, Sandy Maatsch, and the City of Charlotte.

This idea was sparked from a small group of citizens back in October, when Can Do! hosted a community event, called “Charlotte Soup”, which was geared toward using new ideas to improve Charlotte. The winning idea was conjured up by a few Charlotte residents and high school students. The group decided to invest into a fun family event that would spread holiday cheer to the community, thus, “It’s a Charlotte Christmas” was born.

Questions about the event can be directed to high school principal and 2017 CanDo! Chair Bill Barnes at (517) 541-5601.

Article submitted by Charlotte Public Schools.