Holiday
Events
Photo by Tony Avila
Compiled by William Kirkpatrick
HOLIDAYS IN THE PARK Celebrate Thanksgiving before and after with Lake Ray
Roberts State Park. Let’ s Talk Turkey Join Lake Ray Roberts State Park staff to talk about everyone’ s favorite Thanksgiving bird!
Visit the Nature Center for two sessions on Nov. 22: from 10-11 a. m. and 1-2 p. m., to learn about the history and myth of these famous birds, then create some turkey masks to take home and celebrate. One too many slices of pie? Too much turkey? Nothing to worry about! Join a park ranger in the Dogwood Canyon Parking Lot for a five-mile hike to help work off that Thanksgiving feast.
Meet Nov. 28 at 10 a. m., and bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, close-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
All ages are welcome and each programs is included in park entry fees.
HIKES, TRAINS, MUSIC AND MORE Across Gainesville, it isn’ t just the people that are making holiday preparations, but the local parks as well. Throughout the month of December, Ray Roberts Lake State Park and Leonard Park will feature numerous events and activities to celebrate the season.
While the state park is open year-round for activities such as hiking and camping, it also features events throughout December to celebrate the holidays and changing seasons.
The Winter Sole-stice Hike will take place on Dec. 21, marking the longest night of the year. Between 10 and 11 a. m., a ranger will lead hikers along 2.2 miles of the Cross Timbers Trail. All ages are welcome to participate, and the cost is included in normal park fees($ 7 for adults, free for children 12 and under).
Leonard Park is no stranger to themed events throughout the year, and plans to go all-out for the winter season as well.
Between Dec. 16 and 18, visitors to the park can expect a Christmas-decorated Frankie Express( the miniature steam train
12 GAINESVILLE LIVING