ORANGE PARK – The community once again gathered last Friday and Saturday for the Hometown Holiday in the Park at the Clarke House for two nights of fun-filled holiday-themed lights and festivities, which included games and activities for youth, a holiday shopping village with gourmet food trucks and craft artisan vendors, live musical performances, and tours of the iconic 111-year-old home that helped shape the town’s unique history.

Children experienced an unforgettable experience of games, camaraderie and fun, which included a colorful, challenging obstacle course, pony rides, a bubble machine and “train rides” on two all-terrain vehicles. Parents and children took a winding tour of the back of the historic property, where they saw large, fluorescent, holiday-themed lights.

An important visitor was on hand, who came all the way from the North Pole. Santa Claus took Christmas list requests and spent several minutes with each child, taking plenty of time with every little boy and girl.
In addition to rides and games, there were classic Christmas movies, shopping in the Christmas village and food vendors.

Hundreds came for the event centered around the historic house open for business, which offered a central community hub for the action. With residents touring the house and park, the event offered everyone a distinct, neighborly, family-friendly, welcoming environment.