[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 157 (Friday, December 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PALM BAY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 7, 2012

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on December 15, 2012, Palm Bay families, 
businesses and local community organizations will gather together to 
celebrate the Fourth Annual Christmas Extravaganza. This wonderful 
event, which will take place at the Max K. Rodes Park in West 
Melbourne, will provide an uplifting message of hope during this 
Christmas season as so many families are still facing difficult 
challenges.
  ``The House'' of Palm Bay (House of Prayer International), Brevard 
County Parks & Recreation and their partners have recognized the 
importance of providing a positive venue for residents and children to 
celebrate Christmas.
  What makes the Christmas Extravaganza so special is that there is no 
cost to attend--everything is free to the public. From cotton candy and 
hot dogs, to live music and fun activities for kids, the sponsors of 
this annual event have committed to serving others during this 
Christmas season and giving back to their community in order to make a 
difference in someone's life.
  This year, over forty local businesses and organizations have made 
donations of food, gift certificates, equipment, cash and goodie bags. 
Toys for Tots donated hundreds of books for local children while police 
and firemen have volunteered their time. Even ``Chagy the Clown'', a 
former Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus clown, will be in 
attendance.
  Pastor Ken Delgado of The House of Palm Bay said, ``At this time, 
especially at this season, when economic difficulty has been rampant, 
there's only a small window of opportunity to bring out the smiles in 
children's faces. To see the business community come together and 
create a venue where families can find hope and joy--it's really an 
example of the kind of peace and love as expressed to us through the 
life of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.''
  I commend all those who have given so much to make the Annual 
Christmas Extravaganza possible, and applaud all the communities across 
our great nation who have seized upon this opportunity to spread the 
Christmas spirit through good deeds and charitable acts.

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