The Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a 6th Annual Frost Fest on Friday, December 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Carl Levin Park. There is no admission charge for this event. Recreation and Events Coordinator Nichole Broemer encourages folks of all ages to come out to enjoy the lights, atmosphere, and entertainment available again this year in what has now become a Harker Heights tradition. 

“We invite families to come out and enjoy the holidays with us.” said Broemer, openly welcoming community participation in Frost Fest.

Many Harker Heights city departments work together to make Frost Fest happen. City Hall provides the cookies and hot chocolate available to participants at no charge, while the Fire and Police departments provide security and emergency services. The rec center itself plans and hosts the annual event.

Frost Fest also typically includes a petting zoo for children and adults alike. Santa will be available for photographs again this year. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos with the celebrated jolly guy.

In addition to the complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, Bones Cracked Rib BBQ will be vending pork sandwiches, sausage wraps, and other savory delectables. There will also be a wide range of fried foods available, from catfish to cheesecake, to pickles, Oreos, and Twinkies. The infamous and often requested funnel cake will be back by popular demand.

In the event of inclement weather, Frost Fest will proceed as planned, taking place in the nearby rec center.

There is a slight change in the type of entertainment provided at Frost Fest compared to years past in that it involves talent taken directly from the community at large rather than going outside.

“This year KISD is involved. Four schools will assist in entertainment. There will be a nice variety of entertainment this year.” said Broemer.

According to Broemer, Parks and Recreation has been working this year with the KISD director of fine arts in order to further community involvement in all its activities.

On the agenda will be performances by Manor Middle School’s Freedom Ringers, Ellison High School’s Choir, Union Grove Middle’s Grizzly Band, and Shoemaker High School’s Steel Drum Band. Performances will take place in 20-30 minutes sets filling the evening with a broad range of enjoyable activity.

The Parks and Recreation Department will also be bringing Harker Heights two other holiday festivities this year.

The 2009 Heights Lights on Parade Outdoor Lighting Contest will award 1st and 2nd place prizes across three divisions to homes within the city limits participating in a festive, friendly competition. Entries will be judged on enjoyability, number and placement of lights, color and attractiveness, theme, and effort.

Divisions are divided into apartments, townhouses, and duplexes; manufactured homes; and single family homes.

Registration for the contest is available at the HH Recreation Center. The registration deadline is Friday, December 11. Judging will take place on Monday, December 14.

A pancake and sausage Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Junior Service League of Killeen will be held at the HH Activities Center on Saturday, December 12 from 7:00 to 10:00 am. Tickets for the event are $4.00 and include both the breakfast and a photo with Santa.

For more information on any of the HH holiday events, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 254.953.5658, or visit the website at www.ci.harkerheights.tx.us.