Herald News Report

FAIRBORN — The trees have shaken off their leaves, the sun tucks itself in earlier each day and shoppers are making a mad dash to retailers as they cross items off their loved ones holiday wish lists. December has arrived and the Fairborn Parks and Recreation Office is putting the season on display by hosting a variety of winter and holiday activities for all members of the family throughout the month.

To register for these events, pick up a form from the Fairborn Parks and Recreation Office, 461 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road or the City of Fairborn Government Center, 44 West Hebble Avenue. Make checks payable to the City of Fairborn.

Gingerbread House Contest

Fairborn parks is kicking off its December activities by offering citizens an opportunity to bring out their creative side by building their own gingerbread winter wonderland with this family fun activity. Once they have created and decorated their own gingerbread house, the masterpieces will be put on display to be judged by members of the Fairborn Senior Center.

Winners are announced 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. After this time, participants may come and take their creation home with them or eat it on the scene. A picture of each winner’s house will be posted on the City of Fairborn’s Facebook page. Prizes are awarded for each age category, including 7 years old and under, 8-12, 13-18 and 19 and elder; groups are permitted. It is slated for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Fairborn Senior Center, 325 N. Third Street. All supplies are provided in the $15 fee. Participants must be registered by Monday, Dec. 5.

Build a Winter Birdfeeder

Build and decorate a simple birdfeeder and take some birdseed home for an opportunity to have a better view of the feathery friends outside this winter. The birdfeeders can be hung from places like a tree or a porch. Winter birds will love this as food becomes very limited and harder to find. All ages are invited, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. It is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Fairborn Parks and Recreation Office, 461 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road. All supplies are included in the $3 fee. Participants must be registered by Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Community Christmas Campfire

Join the Fairborn Parks for s’mores making, hot cocoa drinking, storybook reading and Christmas caroling. This event is free and open to all. It will take place 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at Central Park, 222 S. Central Avenue.

Holiday Centerpiece

Create an elegant centerpiece of fresh Christmas greenery and seasonal decorations that will last through the holiday season. Attendees will learn how to design and arrange fresh flowers into a festive holiday centerpiece. It will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Hollon Flowers, 50 N. Central Avenue. All flowers and materials are included in the $40 fee. The activity will be instructed by Carolyn Hollon and Jamie Brauer is open to those 18 and up. Participants must be registered by Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Winter Mittens Painting

Students will paint black background, then paint mittens. Wood snowflakes will be painted and glued down and words written. Acrylic paint does not come out of clothes so Fairborn Parks suggests wearing old clothing. It is open to those 5 years and elder. The painting will take place 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Terri Lynn Studio and Gallery, 415 W. Main Street. All supplies are included in the $15 fee. The activity will be instructed by Terri Perkins, owner of the studio. Participants must by registered by Tuesday, Dec. 20.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 937-754-3090.