December 4, 2002

WINTER WONDERLAND:
PARK AND RECREATION CREATES HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Charlotte, NC - There's nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays. Citizens can enjoy all three December 13 - 20 at Mecklenburg County's WINTER WONDERLAND, at Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road.

Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Mecklenburg County's Park and Recreation Department, and will open to the public on Friday, December 13, with a tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

Each day will feature regular events, such as the Wonderland Walk, a ¼-mile trail through the woods around the Marion Diehl Recreation Center. Daily events also include holiday crafts, cookie decorating, crafts, and pictures with Santa Claus. Admission is $5 per person and includes all activities and special events.

Hours for the Winter Wonderland are:

· December 14, 15 & 20: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

· December 16 - 19: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

There will also be a wide variety of special events, according to this schedule:

Friday, December 13 Tree Lighting Ceremony 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 14 Choral Groups 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, December 15 Holiday Movies with Popcorn 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday, December 16 Karaoke 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17 Story Teller 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, December 18 Holiday Movies 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Thursday, December 19 Karaoke / Swimming and Sledding with Santa 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday, December 20 Wheelchair Sports Demonstrations 3 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For more information on these events, citizens can click on http://www.parkandrec.com or call the Winter Wonderland hotline at 704-525-2122.