By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Plans for a Christmas Bash at Navy Park City Park is underway as a group of residents plan an inaugural Christmas Bash in Navy Park.

The event is from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Navy Park City Park.

“It is in the Navy Addition Park located in the heart of Orange,” Orange Council member Terrie Salter posted on Facebook. 

LaToya Overstreet described the event as “the mind child of Marsi and Louis Ackerman, Kelly Patin, and myself.”

“We have received generous donations from several individuals such as Terrie Salter, Paul Burch, Larry and Trisha Spears, Brad Childs, and Caroline Mazzola,” Overstreet said. “We also have several individuals who have donated their time and services, but they wish not to be listed.”

Depending on the response of the event this year, an organization or committee could be formed to continue it.

During the recent Trunk or Treat event on Halloween, 300 children attended. It is the hope of Overstreet to see even more for the Christmas event.

“We are hoping for an equal or greater turn out for Christmas,” Overstreet said. “We would also love to see some families from outside the Navy Addition attend and engage in these events as well.”

Making the event a success is important to Overstreet and hopes others see the potential she can see in the community.

“For years, the Navy has been forgotten and been relegated as a “less than” area,” Overstreet said. “The Navy has so much to offer. It truly is a diverse neighborhood, with instant access to Interstate 10 literally minutes from downtown Orange and the Gulf. We are perfectly positioned to be a thriving and worthwhile neighborhood for younger families.”

Restoring pride in the community and restarting past traditions of meeting at the park for events is just the start as far as Overstreet is concerned.

“In the grand scheme of things, I would love to see more homeowners in the Navy,” Overstreet said. “But for now, I am happy to just see some smiling faces in the Navy and knowing we contributed to that.”

For those interested in donating supplies, or making a monetary contribution, contact LaToya Overstreet at latoyaoverstreet@gmail.com or via Facebook.