Area youth enjoy a natural Christmas event

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Seventy children along with their parents participated in the annual Christmas open house and crafts at the Arkansas River Valley Nature Center on Sat. (Dec. 18). Upon arrival at the nature center at 1 p.m., volunteer Amy Williams read the children a story “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl R. Sams II.

Following the story, the guests entered into the craft room where six tables were set up with different crafts. The children selected the craft station they wanted to do first. Santa Claus also awaited the children in the room where each could sit on his lap and tell them their Christmas wish list.

From stringing popcorn to making handmade Christmas ornaments, each child went home with a one-of-a-kind craft. Refreshments were also served consisting of granola bars and hot chocolate. The movie “Stranger in the Woods” was also shown to the children while making crafts. Parents were also encouraged to participate in the crafts.

At 2 p.m. Critter Crunch Time was called. As minnows were fed to fish that are native to Arkansas, the frenzy started. The kids were amazed at how fast the bigger fish swallowed the minnows up. Everyday at 2 p.m. a different animal can be seen getting fed during the Critter Crunch Time. After the feeding finished, all children gathered back into the craft room and finished their crafts to take home.

Upon leaving, each guest was encouraged to take home a bag of bird seed to feed to the animals during the winter days. The Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers recreational and educational programming for people of all ages. Along with daily, weekly and monthly events, the center offers specialized programs suitable for any nature enthusiast and is free.