An ice skating rink, snow and a ferris wheel will transform Kimball Park into a winter wonderland for National City’s 12th annual A Kimball Park Holiday from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
For the first time, A Kimball Park Holiday will open an hour early for children and adults with special needs who require a low sensory environment, with no loud music or bright lights, to give them the opportunity to touch the snow, ice skate and take part in other festivities.
“We’re just testing the waters with really trying to create an inclusive environment. We’re trying to figure out how we provide services with everyone in National City,” National City Recreation Superintendent Aubrey Denham said.
She added that the city will take into account feedback from people who attend the Kimball Park Holiday early to see how they can improve the setup for next year. Anyone interested in attending early can call (619) 336-4290 to get more information.
“During the holidays it’s very important to bring the community together and an event like this does that,” Denham said.
This year’s event will consist of a few new features including a car show, a light-up dance floor and a bigger ferris wheel than previous years. About 45 cars from various local car clubs will be displayed along A Avenue throughout the event and awards for the best cars will be given out onstage at 6:30 p.m.
“We’ve just added more holiday flare,” Denham said.
Like previous years, attendees will be able to ice skate, sled down a hill of snow and take photos with Santa at Santa’s village. Denham said city staff will be there to assist people with taking photos using their smartphones or cameras. There will also be a photo booth for people to take home a momento from their night at A Kimball Park Holiday.
A variety of local groups will be performing including Sweetwater High School ballet folklorico, Camacho Hip Hop class, Las Guarecitas, National School District mariachi and Kaliloa O Kalea Onalani.
Birrieria Negro Durazo, Its in the filling, La Cocinita de Flor, Saka Mayan Coffee and Mangia Mangia will be selling food for attendees to enjoy.
