2010 Children's Holiday Party Features Snakes, Snapping Turtles and, Oh Yes, Santa
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Halesite Fire Department hosted its annual Children's Holiday party Sunday, December 12, 2010, at fire headquarters. This year's party featured the usual array of cookies, candy and Santa. But new for this year was entertainment from Erik's Reptile Edventures.
A total of 66 children plus their parents were wowed by numerous exotic reptiles, amphibians and arthopods during the party. Erik Callendar, a New York State licensed Veterinary technician and Animal Science educator put on a fast-paced, interactive show that at once amazed and educated the fascinated children. Erik introduced the group to a wide variety of creatures including a Whites Tree Frog, Tegu Lizard, Albino Patten-less Burmese Python named "Twinkie", a Red Tailed Boa named "Flex", "Groucho" the Alligator, and a Snapping Turtle. All visitors to the show not only learned about these and other creatures, but, in many cases, got to hold or touch them in a safe environment.
Soon after the curtain came down on Erik's Reptile Edventures, attention shifted to more traditional mammals, namely Santa Claus and his elves. Each child had an opportunity to have a picture taken on Santa's lap as well as receive a present from him. After the party, Santa dropped off numerous presents to children at the pediatric wing of Huntington Hospital.
Attendees to this year's party were encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the firehouse in support of "Project Toy"--a toy drive sponsored by The Family Service League. This drive collects unwrapped toys for children age 14 and under in support of families in the Town of Huntington. In lieu of gifts, several families chose to make monetary donations to The Family Service League during Halesite's party.
Special thanks for organizing this event goes to Halesite members Jen and Bob Pavelka along with the Ladies Auxiliary. Halesite also wishes to thank Don Tesoriero for serving as "Old Saint Nick" as well as Anna Tesoriero and Kelly McConnell for serving as elves.
Pictured above, children of the Halesite Fire District hold "Twinkie", an Albino Patten-less Burmese Python, while he is being measured by Erik Callendar of Erik's Reptile Edventures. (He measured nearly 12 feet long!)
Anyone who attended that wishes to have pictures of the party should contact the Halesite Fire Department by sending a note to the Chief using the link at the upper right hand side of this page.
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