The North Fort Myers Recreation Center will put on two of their favorite holiday events in December, social distancing this year.
Children of all ages will be able to have Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Kids will be able to meet the jolly ol’ man himself, though they won’t be able to sit on his lap this year.
Kids will be able to make a holiday craft, write a letter to Santa for him to read at the North Pole, and take a socially distanced selfie with him to make sure the kids stay safe.
All breakfast and craft items will be individually wrapped and available to take home.
Jessy Zukaitis, who works at the rec center, said the circumstances this year has forced them to change how they do things
“We usually do hot food and had fruits and vegetables, but this year we’re going to wrap everything up. We have donations from Publix and Wal-Mart so we can do wrapped items,” Zukaitis said. “Santa will be on a stage and you can take a selfie, socially distanced, and there will also be other selfie stations.”
Last year’s event drew more than 300 people. Zukaitis believes this year they expect around half of that. Admission will be $3 and pre-registration is requested.
The following Saturday, on Dec. 12, families can return to the rec center for an evening of holiday fun and cheer with the Holiday Movie in the Park starting at 6:30 p.m.
Families will be able to go to Rotary Plaza behind the rec center and watch the Christmas classic “The Santa Clause” in socially distanced areas set up for all families. Be sure to get there early to choose your favorite spot. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted.
“We will circle off 10-foot areas for people to sit, and the screen will be set up in the back facing the stage,” Zukaitis said.
Last year brought about 25 families, but many left because it was an unseasonably cold evening and they weren’t prepared for the chill, Zukaitis said.
Admission is free. Prepackaged popcorn and bottled water will be provided to the first 150 participants.
The North Fort Myers Recreation Center is at 2000 N. Recreation Way. For more information contact the recreation center at 533-7200 or go online to www.leeparks.org.
