The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) Youth Arm successfully hosted its first-ever Children’s Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14, at the Merryland Amusement Park, attracting an exceptional turnout.
The event’s success was highlighted by Blair Rose, President of the ABWU Youth Arm, who told Observer Media that the attendance exceeded expectations.
“We had about over 700 patrons throughout the event which took place between 1pm and 6pm, and the number of screams of joy, laughter and the overall number of smiles that we saw from the children as well as their parents made the event worth it,” she noted.
The festive event, which was held for children of the ABWU members, was established to provide a truly special and unforgettable experience. The purpose of the initiative, Rose explained, was to give back to the children who sometimes sacrifice time with their parents, due to work, and whose families may not be able to afford an outing during the busy holiday season.“We wanted the children to have a little magic for the season,” she said.
The event featured a visit from Santa Claus, along with games, rides, face painting, and a variety of holiday treats. Rose confirmed that everything, including food, was available to all patrons at no cost, which included a lucky dip where children were excited to receive toys, coloring books, and crayons. Popcorn and cotton candy were also served, contributing to the “great experience.”
The Youth Arm President extended special thanks to numerous groups and individuals whose efforts were crucial to the event’s success. She thanked the volunteers, which included past members of the Youth Arm Executive, members of the main ABWU Executive, and friends who loved the initiative.
Rose also acknowledged key partners, including Premier Beverages for assisting with drinks. “I also want to express gratitude to Merryland and Ultimate Playground, Gordon Smith for handling the ice cream truck professionally and the DJ for keeping the vibes going,” she noted.
Rose concluded by thanking all members for attending and being understanding, noting that there were no arguments nor complaints, and expressed the hope that the Youth Arm would be able to make this an annual event.
