35 North Bar-Grill teams with Park+Alley to host Santa event

Two neighboring businesses, 35 North Bar & Grill and Park + Alley Real Estate and Marketplace, have teamed up to co-host Story Time With Santa for children from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at 35 North Bar & Grill’s fireplace behind its building, 11321 Kingston Pike.

“The outdoor will be decorated for the free event for kids,” 35 North Bar & Grill owner Vinit Sharma said. “Being in the heart of the community here, we want to bring something for everyone this holiday season.”

Santa will read stories to the youngsters, and parents can have their children’s photos made with Santa with their cell phones or acquire a professional photo.

“It’s a great way to get those last-minute holiday photos in,” said Crystal McNamee, owner/principal broker of Park + Alley.

There will be music and treats for the children.

Attendees are encouraged to bring toys to donate for the Dear Santa program with McNabb Center For Youth. “We are requesting new toy donations,” McNamee said. “They are here locally, so those toys will go to local youths.

“It’s going to fit the needs of kids who get left out,” she added. “We’ll bring them right to McNabb Center once the event’s over.”

There also will be a North Pole mailbox where children can mail letters to Santa. When families arrive, they are asked to check in at Park + Alley, where children will receive a free coloring page with a wish list on the back, which can be placed in the North Pole mailbox after being filled out.

“That’s also where we will collect the toy donations,” she said. After seeing Santa, families are welcome to eat lunch at 35 North.

McNamee advised people bundle up since the event will be outside, although a fire will be burning in the fireplace.