Christmas at Moon Lake begins with carnival tonight
For some Phenix City families, visiting Moon Lake at Christmas is as much of a family tradition as drinking eggnog and singing carols.
"It is a tradition that goes back many years," said Rebecca Harris, special events coordinator for the Phenix City Parks and Recreation Department. "Parents bring their children to experience what they did when they were little kids. Some people who have moved away come back home to visit Moon Lake at Christmas."
And people from nearby cities also come to enjoy the beautifully lighted Christmas displays put up by churches, businesses and civic groups.
Harris said staff and volunteers have been working hard getting everything ready for the event, which drew approximately 15,000 people last year.
The displays remain up through Dec. 26.
It all opens tonight with a Christmas at Moon Lake carnival.
Harris said there will be a Ferris wheel, pony rides, merry-go-round, hay rides and much more.
"We will have a lot of arts and crafts," she said. "There will be a live nativity scene and petting zoo."
Heath and the Checker Shoe Band will present a puppet show and local school and church groups will provide entertainment.
There is a good chance Santa Claus may make an appearance.
Refreshments will be available at a food court.
Admission is free, but some activities will require a small fee.
A shuttle will be available to bring guests to the lake from Garrett-Harrison Stadium and Idle Hour Sports Complex.
"I am impressed by the way the community rallies around this event," Harris said.
IF YOU GO
What: Christmas at Moon Lake.
When: Lighted displays will be up until Dec. 26 but the carnival tonight is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Moon Lake is in Idle Hour Park on Airport Road off of Summerville Road.
Who: It is a treat for young and old, either the carnival tonight or just strolling around the lake on other evenings. Bring your friends and family.
Cost: Free.
This story was originally published December 9, 2015 at 10:42 PM with the headline "Christmas at Moon Lake begins with carnival tonight ."