Surprise will host its 12th annual Surprise Party on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7.<\/p>\n
The festival has become a tradition for Surprise residents to welcome in the winter holiday season at its recreation campus south of Bell Road on Bullard Avenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe come every year and love it,\u201d said Anna Baker, mother of two. \u201cIt\u2019s a terrific family event.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event kicks off Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Surprise Stadium Plaza and will include a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks. Revelers can also see hot-air balloons on display and watch the Arizona Skyhawks Skydivers.<\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s festivities are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include an arts and crafts festival, games, clowns, camel rides, a petting zoo and carnival rides. There will be a stage for live entertainment that will feature bands Steppin\u2019 Into Tomorrow and Gonzology.<\/p>\n
The festival is free to anyone who donates packaged food, a new unwrapped toy or children\u2019s clothing item to support Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln\u2019s Operation Santa Claus. The donations benefit St. Mary\u2019s Food Bank Alliance, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, the Southwest Autism & Resource Center and Military Assistance Mission Arizona.<\/p>\n
During a car show, judges will choose the best vehicle in 32 categories including best antique classic, muscle car and car with the best holiday theme. Cars of all makes and models are welcome but there are specific categories for popular brands such as Pontiac, Volkswagen and Corvette. Participants must fill out a registration form and pay a $25 fee to receive a T-shirt, dash plaque and goody bag.<\/p>\n
Another draw is the annual gingerbread-house building contest where participants can enter their creations for free. The only rules are that entirely edible creations must be built on a surface no larger than 20 by 20 inches. There will be winners in youth, teen, adult and group categories.<\/p>\n
The first Surprise Party, in 2002, was part of the grand-opening celebration for Surprise Stadium and the Northwest Regional Library at the Surprise Recreation Campus.<\/p>\n
For more details see:\u00a0www.surpriseaz.gov\/specialevents<\/a><\/p>\n