Hooray for Family Central Texas November 2022

Creating

Healthy

By Jessa McClure

Featured Cover Spotlight

Mother Nature might not be able to provide Central Texas with a white Christmas, but the 10th annual Waco Wonderland event will give Waco area residents the chance to experience a snowy holiday season when they visit Heritage Square Dec. 2 - 4.

The snow at this event comes in the form of two snow tubing hills—one for older children and adults and one for toddlers. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

“[Waco Wonderland] features all sorts of different activities,” said Manager of Community Engagement Megan Davis. “We have live music, fireworks, a tree lighting ceremony, a market with more than 30 vendors, holiday crafts, and local food trucks.”

The City of Waco, who hosts the event, is also bringing back live reindeer and expanding the Santa House where children can tell the big guy what they want for Christmas and complete a holiday craft.

“We always want to keep the event fresh and bring in features that families can look forward to,” Davis said. “But we also want to make sure that we keep those traditional Waco Wonderland pieces for those who come back year-after-year.”

The best part of the event is that it is FREE to attend. There is a fee to ride the Ferris Wheel, train, and snow hills, but parents can purchase a wristband for just $10 that covers rides for the whole night.

“Waco Wonderland is great for families because it is affordable,” she said. “And because it’s located downtown, families can come and enjoy the festivities and then venture out to local downtown merchants and businesses to do a little Christmas shopping.”

Davis said the event has become a focal piece for holiday traditions downtown and brings in more than 25,000 visitors each year.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, and a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show will take place at 7 p.m. The fun continues Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with a downtown parade, and then the event continues until 10 p.m. that evening. Waco Wonderland is open again Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 6 p.m.

For the most up to date information about Waco Wonderland and available attractions, visit the event’s website at www.wacowonderland.com or their social media pages @wacowonderland on Facebook and @wacoparksandrec on Instagram.

Pony Parties

We ser ve children at home, in daycares, Head Star t centers, or our conveniently located clinic.

Community partners helping local children find a brighter future FOREVER FAMILIES

By Jessa McCLure

Laci is a friendly, sweet girl who loves to talk to new people. The 17-year-old is always helpful and is the first one to volunteer to clean up after dinner. She loves Mexican food and can’t get enough tacos.

She is interested in joining the soccer team at school and hopes that her new family will encourage her to try new things. She is looking forward to having siblings and spending time with her forever family watching movies, playing games, and going swimming. Laci also has a sister who has been adopted and would like a family that supports her staying in contact with her.

Laci would be a great addition to any loving family, and you might just be the right fit for her. If you’re interested in adopting Laci or finding out more about adoption, visit www.partnershipsforchildren.org/heartgallery/laci

Photography by Gypc Girl Photography

MODERN MEDIA

Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B A Dance & Theatre Cer tified Dance Masters of America

G r e a t G i f t I d e a

@WacoBabyWhisperer