Moapa Valley’s resident preschoolers and their families were able to enjoy a holiday party of their very own on Dec. 11. Held at the Fine Arts building, the event included lunch, treats and activities of all sorts.

For close to two hours, children ages five and under were welcomed alongside their families to enjoy a plethora of child-friendly foods and games. Children were able to decorate their own sugar cookies, decorate gift bags, test their aim with miniature cornhole, write and deliver letters to Santa and even visit the jolly old man himself. A spaghetti lunch was served to all who attended.

“I love this event because it is just pure joy,” said Parks and Rec recreation specialist Lauralyn Robison, a huge smile on her face as she manned the sugar cookie station. She shared that she also loved that the event was not just for the children, but an opportunity for parents and guardians to have an opportunity to socialize.

About halfway through the lunch, the Grinch (Jesse Wells) made an appearance. Many parents were eager to convince their children to stand beside him and get their photo taken as they stood in line.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the day for those involved was the Santa station. Parents were able to walk their children up to Santa — Metro officer Larry Staley — and have a photo opportunity. A designated photographer was even there to provide parents with a Polaroid of the moment. And for the children, there was a little bit of extra magic as Metro police and Parks and Rec elves listened to their requests off to the side and provided them with a gift.

All gifts, ranging from NERF guns to Barbie dolls to RC Cars, were donations provided by Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick. Fifty boys’ toys and 50 girls’ toys were supplied, wheeled inside four large, black bins covered in festive holiday wrap.

Planning for this event began three months in advance. Recreation specialist Kacey Martino was frequently named as the mastermind behind the majority of planning and decorating of the space.

Hosted by Commissioner Kirkpatrick and Clark County Parks and Recreation, this is the third year that the annual Christmas party was held in the Fine Arts building since outgrowing its original home at the Overton Senior Center. Around 100 children attended, with 50 registering beforehand.

Included in attendance was Commissioner Kirkpatrick herself. When asked for a comment, she shared, “We love this event. We just want to thank the parents for coming out and having a good time.”