City selling wristbands, seeking volunteers for Christmas Extravaganza

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press    

The City of Copperas Cove is gearing up for the 2017 Christmas Extravaganza on Friday, December 1, from 4-8 p.m. in City Park.
The event has grown from a simple tree lighting with hot chocolate and caroling near the Copperas Cove Public Library and expanded to include an evening complete with a live nativity, music, food trucks, bounce houses and obstacles, petting zoo and pony rides, and this year, a gingerbread house contest.
Entry is $5 per car load. Wristbands are now on sale for $5 to include unlimited access to all attractions, with exception of the pony rides, petting zoo and food trucks. Wristbands can be purchased ahead of time the Parks & Recreation office through Monday, November 27 during regular business hours, cash or check only.
With the wristbands, children will have access to the decorating station, where they can create and decorate an ornament, either a Santa, Christmas tree, star or mitten. Also, kids will also have an opportunity to write their letter to Santa on his special Christmas letterhead and put it into the magic mailbox.
Wristbands also allow access to other activities, to include the snow maze, hay ride, candy cane bowling, inflatables like a giant slide and bounce house, jousting, obstacle course, bucket toss, and a Find the Candy Cane game.
New for this year is the Gingerbread House contest, sponsored by Raising Cane’s. 
“You must pre-make the gingerbread house and bring it to the contest registration which at begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m.,” said Nic Cantrell, Parks & Recreation Supervisor. Judging begins at 6:30 p.m. across different age divisions to include preschool/family, elementary, junior high, high school, and 18+.
Musical entertainment is provided by headliner Will Janke, with the Copperas Cove high school choir caroling during the event.
This year, Santa will be paying a special visit and will be available for photos, but families should bring their own cameras or use their cameras on their phones.
Volunteers are also sought for next week’s Extravaganza. The city’s tourism department welcomes volunteers ages 16 years and older, who can pass a background check; push, pull or lift at least 10 pounds; and sit or stand for extended periods of time. 
Anyone with questions, or wishing to reserve a spot as a volunteer, should contact Heather Bryan, Tourism and Information Coordinator, at hbryan@copperascovetx.gov or (254)542-2719.