Rotary holiday event on tap

Holiday cheer — Rotary Club of San Benito members celebrate with a group photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus during last year’s Rotary-sponsored Christmas at the Park, which is slated to return on Sunday. (Courtesy photo/Rotary Club of San Benito)

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS

Holiday cheer will fill Rotary Centennial Park this Sunday, December 14, as the Rotary Club of San Benito presents its annual Christmas at the Park, a free community celebration featuring music, activities, and festive surprises for families.

The beloved tradition, supported by a club that has served San Benito since 1919, returns with an expanded lineup of attractions.

This year, children can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, and a variety of game booths offering prizes — including a duck pond, corn hole, cupcake walk, basketball toss, Plinko, and even a playful Chancla toss for both kids and “kid-adults.”

The event begins at 12 p.m., with continuous stage performances running from 12:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Choirs, folkloric dancers, cheer squads, and music ensembles from several San Benito CISD campuses will take the stage, including students from La Encantada, Fred Booth, Dr. Cash, Frank Roberts, San Benito High School, Rangerville, and Sullivan Elementary Schools.

A community line dance group, The Charley’s Angels, will perform as well, while Wild B104’s Jay Cantu will serve as guest DJ, sharing commentary and energetic music throughout the day.

Adding to the ambiance, strolling mariachis, roaming elves, and guest characters will greet children throughout the park.

Local food vendors will serve tacos, sandwiches, pupusas, and holiday treats. A professional photographer will be available for portraits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, or the Grinch.

The highlight of the celebration — Santa and Mrs. Claus’ festive arrival at 2 p.m. — will be followed later by the lighting of the Rotary Park Christmas Tree.

Children are encouraged to write letters to Santa, many of which will be published in the San Benito News Christmas edition.

This community event is not a fundraiser but is funded through Rotary Club allocations and donations supporting its humanitarian projects.

Major sponsors include San Benito CISD and the district’s newly appointed Fine Arts Director, Roddy Martinez, McCoy’s, along with community supporter Randal Crane and hundreds who contributed through ShrimpFest ticket purchases.

Additional in-kind support is provided by Wild B104, Photos by Tony Yanez, and San Benito Mayor Rick Guerra and his wife, who volunteer their time portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Christmas at the Park takes place Sunday, December 14, from 12-6 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park located on the grounds of the Callandret Black History Museum at 305 Doherty. The Rotary Club, now celebrating 103 years of community service, welcomes everyone to attend.

For more information, contact Dr. Olivia Rivas at (956) 792-3650.