There’s Christmas fun on center field!
The crowd is beginning to arrive on the Center of Anna Maria Island sports field around 11 a.m. Dec. 6 where a dozen or so bounce houses, slides and games await, as well as a pony ride, a corral of animals — goats, a pig, a bunny and chickens, and a stage with entertainment. Santa Claus arrived later. The day was thanks to the generosity of Joey Lester, longtime donor with her late husband, Chuck. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy
After providing an escort for Santa, the Manatee High School Drum line performs for the crowd at the Center of Anna Maria Island.
In the center gym, kids decorate — and gobble up! — sugar cookies, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and other treats that keep them wired for games and other activities.
Harper, 3, and Jace, 6, Nikki and Kyle Chastain’s children and grandkids of Ben and Susan Webb, longtime islanders and operators of AMI Dolphin Tours, visit Santa Dec. 6 at the Center of Anna Maria Island Lester Family Fun Day. Santa hosted kids outdoors where there were plenty of activities — while refreshments and other games were indoors. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy
Andrew Fortenberry tells Santa his Christmas list, while brother Slater, 10 months, has cookies on his mind.
