Despite rumors that this year’s traditional Governor’s Children’s Christmas Party was canceled, the get-together is in fact still on — albeit with a few changes.
This year’s Christmas party will follow the same system used for the Easter egg hunt at the Battery, with children participating through their respective schools.
Rather than the customary nighttime parade and gift-giving session at the Frank Powell Park bandstand, the event, spearheaded by First Lady Cecile deJongh, is scheduled for noon on December 12.
“It’s going to be in the daytime so the kids can get home earlier,” said St. John Administrator Leona Smith.
Some children will also miss out on visiting with Santa Claus and receiving gifts, as this year’s event is open only to students in kindergarten through second grade. In years past, everyone from infants to teenagers received gifts at the popular Christmas party.
The St. John Festival and Cultural Organization will try to arrange something, whether it be gifts or a separate event, for the older children, Smith explained.
