Nevada Outreach hosting Magic of Christmas

With December already in high gear the Christmas spirit is starting to take over the valley and if you haven't got into the holiday spirit, an event taking place next weekend should get your sleigh bells jingling.

The Nevada Outreach Training Organization is hosting their 4th annual Magic of Christmas event Saturday, Dec.11, at the Bob Ruud Community Center from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

This year's edition is a Victorian Christmas theme, so volunteers will be in full Victorian garb to give it that authentic feel.

"It's basically a Christmas carnival," said Nevada Outreach Executive Director Salli Kerr. "There's face painting, cookies, decorations, story time, there's pictures with Santa, there's an emporium where they can buy gifts."

In addition, there will be a cotton candy vendor, a popcorn vendor, hot chocolate and more for all to enjoy.

The event is run open house-style, where attendees can come and go as they please during the four-hour celebration.

Kerr wanted to stress the event is for all to enjoy, not just the children.

"It's for the whole family, not just the kids," she said. "So don't just drop the kids off, it's a family-oriented event where we want parents to come with their kids."

"There's just little stations, where they'll have a punch card and go to the different stations and do the activities at those stations," Kerr said.

There is no price for admission to the event, but those interested in attending are asked to donate a non-perishable can of food.

Kerr explained that last year's event drew about 400 people and with the event growing each year she expects this year's edition to eclipse that mark.

The gift emporium is aimed at children, so they can purchase something for their parents to have under the tree come Christmas morning.

"Basically, it's a place where kids really want to buy their parents something for Christmas, so they can come in and we'll have scarves and knitted hats and other stuff that will be modestly priced," she said. "We want to give kids an opportunity to buy mom or dad that gift."

Other items such as costume jewelry, some clothing and Christmas items will also be available for purchase. A lot of the items up for sale were donated to the outreach for the event.

With all the help the community gives the the outreach Kerr said the event is the organization's way of showing their appreciation for what those in Pahrump do for them.

"Every family in the valley can come," she said. "We do this at Nevada Outreach to reach out to the community and thank them for their support each year."

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.