By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Smiles were rampant at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center today for Christmas in the Park.
It was the 15th year of the annual event, as local children in need received bags of gifts and got to meet Santa. Children were pre-registered for the event and the ones that were in attendance were also entered to win a shiny new bike in a raffle.
A total of 16 bikes were given away, with half being donated by the Improvement League of Plant City and the other eight as a coming from a collaboration from Friends of Recreation and Parks, a non-profit, and other sponsors, according to Parks and Rec director Jack Holland.
The Improvement League also donated 20 turkeys that were raffled off to families in need during the holiday season.
In addition to Santa, the Aaron’s Lucky Dog mascot was in attendance to spread some holiday cheer. Free hot dogs and drinks were also available.