[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17648-17649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SIXTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on December 20, 2014, Brevard County 
families, businesses and local community organizations will gather 
together to celebrate the Sixth 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 at Palm Bay, Brevard County Parks & Recreation and their 
business partners have recognized the importance of providing a 
positive venue for residents and children to celebrate Christmas.

[[Page 17649]]

  What makes the Christmas Extravaganza so special is that there is no 
cost to attend--everything is absolutely free to the public. From 
cotton candy and hot dogs, to live music performed by the Bay West 
Church Band, and fun activities for children, such as face painting, 
rock wall climbing, bounce houses, and a robotics demonstration, 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 sixty local businesses and organizations have made 
donations of food, gift certificates, equipment, cash and goodie bags. 
Toys for Tots will again make donations of toys for local children 
while the Sheriff, law enforcement officials and firemen have all 
volunteered their time. Florida Institute of Technology has partnered 
with The House at Palm Bay's Christmas Extravaganza team to provide 
free trolley rides for children and adults alike. Also, this year the 
Heritage High School Marching Band will be performing along with 
members of The House at Palm Bay's drama team which will provide their 
rendition of the Music Box, a Musical Drama for all ages.
  Senior Pastor Ken Delgado of The House at Palm Bay said, ``The 
essence of Christmas is about sacrificial giving. Parents do everything 
possible, to their own hurt, to bless their families. What an honor it 
is to see the business community sacrificially coming together to 
create a moment where families can find love, hope and joy--it's the 
example of the love, hope and joy that was expressed through the life 
of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.''
  The Cities of Palm Bay and Melbourne have issued proclamations of 
support for this year's Christmas Extravaganza and the Brevard County 
Commission passed a resolution commending these efforts and encouraging 
families to attend.
  I salute 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.

                          ____________________