HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE
UNCLE Jumbo’s Christmas Party has become somewhat of an institution in Port Elizabeth and, after lighting up children’s faces for more than 50 years, it was a great privilege to see my little girl join in the festivities.
The party – where this year characters such as Frozen’s Queen Elsa, Snow White, Tinkerbell and, of course, Uncle Jumbo come together – is the perfect kick-off to the Christmas season.
And it’s also an excellent way for moms and dads to relax as they get to watch their kids play games and sing songs in a safe environment, while digging into a picnic basket.
The infamous Noddy car still leaves kids – and some dads – giddy.
While my daughter, Emma, is just shy of two and may have been a little young to understand exactly what was going on, the event caters for all age groups.
Gates for the Christmas party, held under the fairy lights for the first time at the DF Malherbe High School field in Walmer, open at 5pm.
From there, visitors enjoy a tractor ride to where a stage has been set up for a small skit.
While the adults are able to throw down a picnic blanket or sit on one of the lucerne bales and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets, children are entertained by their favourite Disney characters before Father Christmas hands out their gifts (supplied in advance by parents).
Tonight’s show is at 6.30pm and the remaining two shows, tomorrow and on Sunday, are both at 5.30pm.
Tickets for the Rotary Port Elizabeth initiative cost R50 for adults and R60 for children and can be bought through Computicket. All proceeds go to charity.