Letters to Santa, a decor competition, and a holiday vendor fair top the lineup

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is rolling out a full lineup of holiday activities this season, offering residents opportunities to get into the festive spirit.

One of the efforts is the P.E.P. Club Christmas Wish Tree now on display in the Ocean Pines Community Center lobby. The P.E.P. Club is a social group for adults with developmental disabilities. They meet monthly at the center. Community members are invited to choose a tag from the tree, purchase and wrap the gift listed, and return it with the tag by Dec. 15.

Ocean Pines Association homeowners will also have the chance to help brighten the neighborhood through the annual Ocean Pines outdoor decorating program, called Light Up the Pines. Participation is free, and the first 25 homes to register will receive “goodies” from Choptank Electric Cooperative, according to the recreation department. Furthermore, homes that are registered by Dec. 12 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits from Choptank.

Those interested should email their name, address, and phone number to info@oceanpines.org or call 410-641-7717, ext. 3014. Participants should also submit a photo of their decorative light display for a special community holiday video.

The holiday festivities don’t end there. The community will gather for the 15th Annual Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 29, at White Horse Park. The festival will include tree displays sponsored and decorated by local social clubs, businesses, and families.

Santa will also make an appearance at the event. Those interested in sponsoring a tree can call 410-641-7052 or email Katie Goetzinger, event supervisor, at kgoetzinger@oceanpines.org.

OPA citizens will also have the opportunity to do some holiday shopping in the community at the annual Vendor Fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ocean Pines Community Center gym. Admission is free. Shoppers can browse a variety of gift items, including custom art, tumblers, and candles.

Additionally, to create some Christmas magic for Ocean Pines’ youngest residents, children are invited to send letters to Santa by placing written notes in the red mailbox at the community center between Nov. 25 and Dec. 20. The notes should include the child’s name and address to receive a reply.

Rounding out the season is a bus trip to Washington, D.C., to see the Washington Capitals take on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $120 per person, which includes transportation and game admission. The bus departs the Community Center at 8 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. game. Seats may be reserved by calling Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks at 410-641-7052.