Fun, frolic, food and games were the key ingredients to the success of Garfield’s Christmas Wonderland held at Hope Gardens over the weekend of December 18-20.

Greeted by pleasant faces and broad smiles, Santa’s workshop was the first of many attractions to have both kids and adults going wild. The many attractions included Scotia bank’s Elf’s workshop and obstacle course, Wii video games courtesy of ATL and chicky land just to name a few.

Most, if not all these boothes of amusement and attraction, had something free for the kids — be it toys, T-shirts, candy or snacks.

The rides were even more amazing from the terrifying trampoline and bungy, to the moderate bull riding, all the way down to the calm bounce-a-bout, merry- go-round, rock climbing and sticky wall.

The character meet and greet was also one of the favoured activities among those in attendance even dancehall act Rodney “Bounty Killa” Price was at hand to meet cartoon heroes such as, Batman, Pink Panther, Super Dog, Care Bear and the cat of the moment Garfield. Local characters that were seen around the park were KFC’s Chicky, the Honey Bun Bears and our very own Chubby from Chubby Land.

Other attractions and amusements included self-portraits, paintings, and tattoos,clowns, storytelling, karaoke and Chicky’s dancing competitions which provided the opportunity to win toys, toys and more toys.

For those who consider eating as having fun KFC and Pizza Hut were at hand while cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream were all over the Wonderland. The booth which stole the hearts of the kids was Candy Land; with its many sweets varying from all sizes, colour and taste. Honey Bun provided everyone with samples while their kiddie’s village encouraged kids to make and decorate their own cupcakes and donuts.

The main event on the three days which drew more and more patrons was the Garfield Show, which had hundreds gathering around the main stage each day. The Wonderland came to a complete halt as Garfield and Friends took to the stage twice each day. The show, which lasted for just over an hour, had everyone interacting with the characters through singing and dancing. At the end of each show Garfield and friends were always able to spread the Christmas spirit of giving and sharing to one and all.

GIFTS

On the note of sharing, TEENage through its initiative of ” Giving Individuals a Future Through Sharing” (GIFTS), which is geared towards providing services and donations to the less fortunate in children’s home across Jamaica was at the Garfield’s Christmas wonderland soliciting donations. Through this initiative we were able to help institutions such as the Medfield Park Children’s home and the Melrose Primary and Junior High School earlier on this year. As the exclusive print media sponsors of the Garfield Christmas Wonderland we were able to conduct a charity drive for the SOS Children’s Village, to be presented on Wednesday December 23, 2009.

The Garfield Christmas Wonderland was a well needed event and encourage the public to give, in this the season of sharing, because through sharing we can build a better Jamaica.