Fort Hamilton hosts annual children’s Christmas party

December 28, 2015 Michelle DeSantos

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Corazon Aguirre

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The holiday season is a time for the community to join together and rejoice in festive activities, good food and good company.

On Friday, December 11, the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton hosted its Annual Christmas/Holiday Party. The festive event took place at the Sports and Fitness and Youth Centers, 402 MacArthur Boulevard. Cheerful activities kicked the party off at 6 p.m.

People dressed as fun characters such as penguins and elves mingled amongst the crowd. Santa and Mrs. Claus hosted their own long line of eager children, waiting for their visit with the jolly couple. A portable ice-skating rink was constructed outdoors, where children were able to skate. Refreshments were served and dinner was also held outdoors near the ice skating rink.

Base Spokesperson Bruce Hill recalled, “The atmosphere was festive. It’s an annual event we have for our military kids.” Hill said that the children’s party and the annual Christmas tree lighting — which usually occur at the same time — were held a week apart this year. Both events, he said, “Symbolize our seasonal holiday kickoff.

“More than 300 kids attended the party which, of course, featured Santa Claus giving out hundreds of toys donated by the bay Ridge community, including the 68th Precinct, the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association and the Verrazano Rotary Club and local politicians,” added Hill. “Kids won door prizes consisting of bicycles and gear, games and other toys.”

Sponsors of the event included CMU, St. Joseph’s College, and U.S. Family Health Plan.