The city of Arnold is expanding its Christmas in the Park event this year, Parks and Recreation Department Director Dave Crutchley said.
“We have doubled, if not tripled the size of it,” he said.
The event is set for 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the Arnold Farmers Market, which is near the entrance of Arnold City Park at 2400 Bradley Beach Road. It is free to attend.
Arnold held its first Christmas in the Park last year, and about 3,500 people attended, city staff reported.
“It was such a success last year, but it did get crowded in the Farmers Market area,” Crutchley said. “Adding more space and spreading it out is very exciting. The committee that has put this together is excited to see it grow.”
Crutchley said the event will use more of the Farmers Market grounds, as well as space near the giant Christmas tree and behind the market’s pavilion and vendor stalls.
The city’s tree also will grow this year.
Crutchley said the tree was 40-feet tall last year, and this year staff members plan to assemble a 60-foot tree made of lights streaming down a pole in the field to the left of the market.
“I want it to be seen from I-55,” Crutchley joked.
Mayor Ron Counts will light the tree at about 5 p.m.
There also will be more snow this year, Crutchley said, adding that the city has ordered four snow machines and will place them at the market’s entrance, near where Christmas-themed characters are set up for photo opportunities and near the picnic tables.
Last year, the snow machines were positioned only near the entrance.
“We should have a white Christmas everywhere,” Crutchley said.
More festivities
Crutchley said 15 Christmas-themed characters will be at the event this year, and people may have their photos taken with them.
And, of course, Santa Claus will be on hand for photos at his cottage near the tree. He will have two elves with him. Attendees need to bring their own camera to take pictures, Crutchley said.
“Santa Claus also will hand out candy canes,” he said.
The city will have more balloon and facepainting artists than last year, and it has added a caricature artist to the event, Crutchley said.
Dan the Magic Man will roam the event grounds performing magic tricks throughout the evening, Crutchley added.
He also said representatives from the Arnold Jaycees and Arsenal Credit Union – the event’s title sponsor – will hand out free s’more-making kits.
Fire pits will be available in the market area where attendees may roast marshmallows.
Food trucks from District 8, Sodie Specialty Drinks, G Burrito, Sandy Valley Brewing and the Munchie Mobile will sell food and beverages throughout the event. The Jefferson County Salvation Army will hand out free hot chocolate, and its Red Kettle mascot will be at the event.
In addition, 21 vendors will be at the market selling various items.
Plus, a city staff member has learned how to roast chestnuts that will be handed out for free while supplies last.
“We ordered 8 pounds of chestnuts,” Crutchley said. “We have never done them, but somebody on the staff has learned about them. There is a lot to it. You have to soak them and cut an X on the top of them or they blow up.”
Members of Seckman High School’s varsity select choir and Jag Choir will perform at the event, as will the Community Carolers.
“We are adding a lot of new stuff,” Crutchley said. “It is going to be pretty neat.”
Virtual world
The city is bringing back an Augmented Reality phone app during Christmas at the Park. Visitors will have the chance to scan a QR code to download the free app created by Holiday Outdoor Décor, allowing them to use their phone to play interactive games set in the market.
The games are similar to “Pokemon Go,” which inserts interactive graphics into a real-world setting.
The game may be played in the market area through the end of December.
Shuttles
Crutchley said the city also will add two shuttles to help people travel from the parking area near the back of the park to the market.
He said tents will be set up along Bradley Beach Road where the shuttles will pick up and drop off attendees.
“Last year, it got pretty busy,” Crutchley said. “People were parking near the football field at the back of the park, and it was quite a walk for some people to get to the Farmers Market.”
Crutchley said city staff members expect a similar turnout this year.
“We had positive feedback from the community, and they are already talking about it again for this year,” he said. “I hope it becomes a tradition for Arnold.”
For more information, go to the Arnold Parks and Recreation Facebook page or call 636-282-2380.
More Christmas events
The Arnold Farmers Christmas Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the market.
Attendees will have the chance to shop for locally made food and other items and have their photos taken with Santa Claus from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The city also will hold its first Seniors Christmas Bunco Party from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Arnold Recreation Center, 1695 Missouri State Road.
It costs $5 to attend the party and participate in the bunco game. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their own snacks to share.
To register for the event, go to the rec center or call 636-282-2380, ext. 1411.
“We are looking at holding more programs for seniors,” said Ajsa Roach, Arnold Parks and Recreation Department deputy director. “We have been asked for bunco or bingo, so we are trying this out. People have asked for it, so we are delivering.”
The city will hold a holiday-themed Cosmic Nerf Wars event on Friday, Dec. 20. The event is open to those 5 and older. However, anyone who is 13 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Check-in is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. with the first matches starting at about 6 p.m. Group play will be from 7:45-8 p.m.
The cost to participate is $12, and those who want to play may register at the rec center or by calling 636-282-2380.
The parks department will provide standard 4-inch Nerf darts, but players must bring their own Nerf guns. Four teams of up to 20 members each will play at a time.
“I think it is one of the favorite events for kids,” Roach said. “Parents also play, and it is fun family event.”