Undaunted by the persistent challenges of 2020, the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department is determined to fulfill its traditional role of making the holiday season bright and cheerful.
Mayor Ray Smith will officially open the holiday season by lighting the Community Christmas Tree on Monday, December 7 at 6:00pm. The traditional countdown will be held over Facebook Live on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The entire Prosper community is highly encouraged to join in.
By then, area kids will have already shared their Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf from the North Pole during Santa Chats in Prosper over Zoom on December 5. All the time slots for the chats with St. Nick have already been filled. To get everyone in the spirit of the season, the inaugural Light Up the Night! contest, sponsored by CoServ, encourages homeowners and businesses to compete by dressing up their locations in the season’s lighted finery. Homes and businesses can compete in the following categories: Best Commercial/Business Display; Best Norman Rockwell Display (traditional); Best Use of Animation (choreographed lights and music); The Clark Griswold Award (excessive use of lights and decorations); Best Display of Contest Theme; and Best Display of “A 2020 Christmas.”
Entry deadline is Sunday, December 13 with winners announced on the Town’s social media sites on Friday, December 18. Winners will be awarded a yard sign proclaiming their win, allowing them some well-earned bragging rights, plus a cash prize. Entry forms are available at http://www.prosperparksandrec.org. A map of contest entries will be published, allowing moms and dads the chance to share a bit of nostalgia with the kids by packing the family in the car for a ride through neighborhoods for a visual treat. More information on the contest can be obtained by contacting Barbara Cottone at bcottone@prospertx.gov or calling (972) 569-1052.
“We know how important it is for Prosper to enjoy and celebrate Christmas as a community,” said Dudley Raymond, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’re overjoyed to be able to continue this tradition in 2020. Whether it’s a contest win, a drive to look at lights, or an interactive experience with Santa Claus himself, we look forward to bringing a smile to you and yours this season.”
Numerous classes and camps, a few specifically designed for the holiday season, are now open for registration at http://www.prosperparksandrec.org. A three-day camp offers creative fun for LEGO®-loving kids, and a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop and Holiday Floral Arrangements class for all ages are offered. Fitness options include Outdoor Zumba!, Strength, Core and Balance via Zoom, Yoga, and the Prosper Bowling League for Active Adults 55+.
A series of new workshops, New Year! Healthier You!, begins in January. Obtain more information about these recreational programs from Jonathan Weeks at jweeks@prospertx.gov or (972) 569-1057.
Virtual games continue to connect Prosper-area adults ages 55 and over. Texas Forty-Two, Trivia Time!, Yahtzee and Bingo are offered via Zoom throughout the week. Trevor Helton, either at thelton@prospertx.gov or at (972) 569-1064, can provide more information.
