LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Rafael Benavides,

LAREDO, Texas—It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The City of Laredo has announced their annual Navidadfest, a free and public holiday celebration, at the Sames Auto Arena on Tuesday, December 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“We invite all of Laredo to enjoy the season and partake in this city-wide celebration,” said Mayor Pete Saenz. “Enjoy this truly free event at the beautiful Sames Auto Arena. There are fun activities for everyone.”

This year, the public will be treated to free ice-skating, photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate, a snow slide, train rides, live performances, pet adoptions, Santa’s Workshops, contests and the annual tree-lighting countdown.

While the entire event is completely free to the public, attendees must have a ticket in order to take a photo with Santa or participate in ice-skating. Tickets will be available on a first come, first-served basis beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Sames Auto Arena box office. There will only be 120 tickets given for ice skating per session (7 sessions total) and 400 tickets for photos with Santa, so get there early! Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the festivities officially start at 4:00 p.m.

During the photo session, children can tell Santa their wish list, take a photo and receive a special little frame memento and a treat to take home. Photos are free and will be offered throughout the event until approximately 8:30 p.m.

Ice-skating sessions are 30 minutes at a time and require good physical health and a written liability release form signed on-site by a participating adult individual or by the participant’s parent or legal guardian. Skate sizes may be limited. You can also bring your own ice skates. Dress warm as it will be cold in the building especially on the floor. Participants are encouraged to wear bicycle helmets if they are not experienced in ice skating. Pregnant women will not be allowed on the ice. Furthermore, no food, drinks or cellphones are allowed in the ice rink.

Be sure to follow all rules and signs during the event.

The City of Laredo Animal Care Services Department will showcase pets available for adoption. Adoption fees will be waived during this event.

“We’re always excited to partner with the City of Laredo to host yet another great event for the citizens of Laredo,” said Juan C. Mendiola, general manager of the ASM Global-managed Sames Auto Arena. “We are eager to initiate the season with the festivities at the Sames Auto Arena, including the lighting of the city’s official holiday tree.”

Lastly, Santa Claus will help Mayor Pete Saenz and other special guests light up the night with a boisterous countdown and a magical illuminating moment where more than 37,000 lights on the 52-foot tree come to life and a special projected color wash fills the front façade of the arena. This event highlight is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Motorists in and around the area of the Sames Auto Arena are asked to proceed through the area with caution. Observe all posted traffic signalization and barricades, as well as be attentive to officers staffing the major intersections to assist getting into and out of the event area.  Attendees to the event are asked to enter the Sames Auto Arena parking lots from either Sinatra Parkway into lots D or A or from Arena Boulevard on the north side into lot B and A.  Additional parking will be available at the Uni-Trade Stadium.

For more information on Navidadfest 2019, call the Sames Auto Arena at (956) 791-9192 or visit www.samesautoarena.com.