CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla (WCSO)-- More than 400 people jammed into Azalea Park in Crawfordville Friday, Dec. 7 for the 12th Annual Christmas in the Park celebration featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their helper elves. Santa and the entourage arrived at the park just after dark escorted by a WCSO patrol vehicle as they arrived in an electric car.
Many visitors to the park were festively dressed and children were excited for an opportunity to speak to Santa Claus about their Dec. 25 expectations. The event was sponsored by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers, the Wakulla County Parks and Recreation Department and Centennial Bank. The event featured a kiddie train, games, food, prizes, Christmas decorations and a chance to speak to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event had an outstanding turnout on a beautiful night. Dozens of children and the parents lined up in the cool and dry weather to create a long line to visit with Santa Claus.
WCSO Lt. Bruce Ashley helped organize the event for former organizer and now retired Captain Larry Massa who organized the event for many years.
“This event is a way for the sheriff’s office to give back to the community,” said retiring Sheriff Donnie Crum. “It provides an opportunity to say thank you to everyone in our community. We hope that all of the children had a wonderful time and look forward to Christmas Day in a little more than two weeks.”
Two of Wakulla County’s favorite animals, McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog, visited with children throughout the night.
