The Anchorage Police Department Employees Association will host the second annual Police Navidad event with GCI. A one day, fun-filled family holiday festival, Police Navidad highlights seasonal celebrations as recognized by different cultures. The free event takes place Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We have playhouses to raffle off; a dozen performance groups; special visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus; and games and crafts for the entire family. Police Navidad has something for everyone,” said APDEA President Derek Hsieh.
Among the performers are Japanese drum group Tomadoachi Daiko; a Mexican folkloric ballet by Zochiquetzal-Tiqun; Studio 49; Alaska Fine Arts Academy; Alani Clair; Music Canvas; Fireweed Flutes; and a number of Anchorage School District choirs.
“A highlight from last year, and I’m glad it’ll be back, is our playhouse competition,” said Hsieh. “A number of community partners have designed and constructed these tremendous playhouses that are raffled off to benefit a number of important community nonprofits. This year’s playhouse theme is, “Alaskana Sourdough,” and I’m excited to see how it is executed.”
Beneficiaries from the event include: Anchorage Youth Court, Dollars for Dogs, Victims for Justice, Standing Together Against Rape and Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, Inc.
The Anchorage Police Department Employees Association represents more than 500 employees at the Anchorage Police Department, which is the largest law enforcement agency in Alaska. APDEA is the city’s second-largest bargaining unit and a major supporter of youth activities and victim advocacy charities in Anchorage.
