Reindeer, Santa, Ice Carver and More to Delight Crowds at Holiday Dazzle

As Holiday Dazzle approaches, Joni Patsko is getting a lot of questions about a reindeer.

The furry fella with huge antlers was a big hit at last year's event at so the questions are coming in: Will the reindeer be back for the third annual Holiday Dazzle?

You betcha, said Patsko, the director of parks and recreation for Pine Township.

Not only that, but the Nov. 18 holiday event at Pine Community Center will have another big animal - a camel.

Holiday Dazzle is Pine Township's three-hour extravaganza to celebrate the holidays. It starts at 4 p.m. The admission price is $3 if you buy your ticket in advance at the community center and $5 at the door.

Patsko said the first event in 2010 attracted about 300 people, so she was more than a little surprised when 1,000 showed up last year.

As soon as the event started, the rain came and all of those people crowded into the community center, though a few hardy souls stayed outside for the horse-and-carriage rides.

Lots of things have changed this year, Patsko said.

Buses will run continually to shuttle people from the parking areas to the community center.

Arts and crafts can be held in the gymnasium because the nonprofit Friends of Pine Community Parks bought a cover to protect the gym floor, Patsko said.

Performances by local entertainers will be held in the upstairs ballrooms and Santa will be greeting boys and girls in The Gazebo outside, weather permitting. (Bring your camera.)

Spectators also can view ice carving, take horse-and-carriage rides, participate in a hat parade, watch a holiday movie and make s'mores at a bonfire.

Lighting of the Dazzle Tree is also planned, as well as fireworks.

As for the reindeer, here's what this editor heard at last year's event:

"Does he really fly?" a little boy asked the man holding the reindeer's rope.

"Oh yeah," the man replied. "That's why I'm holding onto him."

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