Santa comes to town in a big way in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT – The biggest party to hit this city since Bridgeport Daze last summer was the second annual Santa Comes to Town celebration held at Bouska Square Park last Friday, Dec. 8.
The event, hosted this year by the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce involved the Bridgeport School District, Bridgeport Fire Department, school band, Multicultural Club and volunteers in a city-wide effort to bring the spirit of Christmas to Bridgeport parents and youngsters.
Santa and Mrs. Claus entered town in style in the cab of a Bridgeport fire truck all decked out in Christmas lights. A living Nativity scene with the roles of Joseph, Mary and the three Wise Men played by high school students from the Multicultural Club, followed on a flatbed wagon towed by another fire department vehicle.
The Christmas convoy left the fire station, toured the city streets and pulled into Bouska Square Park at about 6 p.m. Waiting were hundreds of holiday revelers, a large lighted evergreen tree, hot drinks, food, treats, and lots of gifts. Propane warming heaters helped take the chill off as visitors posed for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and signed up for gifts distributed in the park.
The Bridgeport High School band was on hand to entertain the crowd with holiday music and accept donations for the Students Helping Students Food Bank.
Lopez said that with help from the school district and its contract with a Yakima distribution center more than 300 parents and children received presents at the park.
Youngsters also participated in a coloring contest with winners chosen in the following categories:
Preschool and Kinder: Alondra Mendoza and Javier Jett.
First and Second Grade: Dante Gonzalez and Diana Bueno.
Third and Fourth Grade: Liliana Godinez and Violeta Orozco.
The city hosted Santa Comes to Town last year, but last month the Chamber contacted Mayor Janet Conklin and requested permission to host the event this year.
We wanted to do it bigger,” Lopez said.