Walkers Jingled All the Way at the LIMM Event

The held its first annual 1K Jingle Bell Walk on the museum grounds on Dec. 11. Half of the proceeds from the family and pet-friendly event benefited Shelter Link, the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. Participants were asked to bring a pet item (food or toys) to donate to the shelter.

Forty walkers made their way to the inaugural event, a great turnout considering it was put together on short notice. "We wanted to do a holiday event and this just came together so we decided to make it happen this year," said Kathleen Prokesch, director of special events for the museum.

Everyone who registered received jingle bells and each child who participated took home their own stocking, which they were able to fill up with goodies during the walk. There were 10 waypoints throughout the walk and Prokesch provided a little bit of history at each stop. At the greenhouse, poinsettias were for sale for $3. Starting at the front gate, participants jingled as they walked to the Moonbeam Boat Shop, the Golf Course, through the West Gate and to the Boat Basin Vista for the first half.

At the Boat Basin Vista, the children got to see the first set of elves (local Girl Scout Troop members) handing out treats. Kids received bells, spinning tops, stickers, chocolates, pencils and Silly Bandz at each stop as they proceeded on the second half of the walk. Walking to the Penney Boat Shop, the West Gazebo, then visiting the tugboat Charlotte, the walk swung past the Small Craft Building and finished up at Bayman's Cottage.

Indoors, there was fresh popcorn, hot chocolate and cookies for the children to munch on as they awaited the seafaring Santa's arrival. There were two readings of "Polar Express" in the library and then everyone made their way to the docks for Santa to come visit by boat. Each child received a certificate for their participation.