Christmas on the Farm supports AWARE Central Texas

By Shane Monaco

Be AWARE — the holiday spirit is returning to the Bell County Expo Center on Dec. 7.

The Expo Center will again host Christmas on the Farm. The 13th annual event will feature games, performances, activities and food. Proceeds support AWARE Central Texas.

“It is a low-cost, family-friendly event,” says Blanca Ortiz, AWARE event and case manager. Proceeds “help us work with families for free on things in regards to child abuse, family violence or sexual assault.”

Admission is 50 cents per person or $2 for a family, whichever is less. There is an additional charge for individual activities, games and merchandise.

AWARE Central Texas executive director Misty Biddick said the event raises about $25,000 each year for the organization. Attendance typically tops more than 5,000 and about 400 volunteers are involved. The Belton Singers, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor cheerleaders and Central Texas Taekwondo are scheduled to perform. Bell County Comic Con, “The Grinch” and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the event.

“We will have over 40 activity booths,” says Ortiz, including activities such as decorating Christmas stockings, showing children how to make paper airplanes and teaching people how to fly fish. There also will be a petting zoo.

“It is just a really fun event for all of the families in Central Texas to come out and enjoy,” she says.

Ortiz, who works in the group’s family violence unit, said the funding will go to help programs for victims of family violence or to help educate the community about the issue.

While the Christmas on the Farm event might just seem like fun, Ortiz said that these sorts of family events can help lower stress in the household and reduce the chances of violence.

IF YOU GO
Christmas on the Farm will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton.

Proceeds benefit AWARE Central Texas, which focuses on dealing with family violence and child abuse.