8th ANNUAL WONDERLAND IN WESTCHASE BRINGS FIREWORKS
TO WEST HOUSTON; FOOD & TOY DONATIONS TO WEST HOUSTON FAMILIES

First Methodist Houston’s Westchase campus was the place to be on Thursday, December 15^th for the 8^th annual Wonderland in Westchase.  More than 6,000 people joined the fun, which included Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus performances by area school choirs and magician Carter Blackburn.

Kids enjoyed train rides, hay rides, pony rides and fire truck rides, plus a climbing wall, mechanical bull, inflatables, and a petting zoo.  More than 50,000 pounds of snow "fell" that evening and kids enjoyed a specially-created snow slide to allow them to enjoy a complete snow experience.  The littlest guests whispered their Christmas wishes into Santa's ear, while posing for souvenir pictures and Mrs. Claus read the story of that first Christmas in her signature tent.

Area restaurants provided free tasting samples of their best food entrees.  And members of the Westchase Rotary Club and West Houston Kiwanis Club staffed the concession stand.

This event has grown immensely in its eight years.  The organizing committee is chaired by the Westchase District's VP of Communications Sherry Fox, and includes staff members from First Methodist Houston, Quillian Center, Westchase District and the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.  Church members and employees of Westchase area businesses make up the hundreds of volunteers necessary to stage the event.

“Wonderland in Westchase has become a unique family Christmas tradition in west Houston,” said Fox.  “This year, we added a lot of attractions for the older kids.  And the fireworks just cap off the whole evening." 

Wonderland guests brought food and toy donations which were shared by House of Amos and West Houston Assistance Ministries.  An initial inventory showed that approximately 300 toys and $2800 in food donations were collected by WHAM and House of Amos.

"Many West Houston families enjoyed a happier Christmas because of the contributions that were made through Wonderland in Westchase," added Fox. 

This event is organized and sponsored by First Methodist Church, Quillian Center, Westchase District, and the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.  Thanks to all our great sponsors who make the event possible!

Partridge in a Pear Tree Sponsor:
                  First Methodist Houston

Two Turtle Doves Sponsor:
                 Westchase District

Three French Hens Sponsors: 
                Camden Properties
                Granite
                JKnesek & Associates
                Quillian Center
                Richfield Investment Corporation
                Shipley Do-Nuts
                Texas Children's Pediatric Associates

Four Calling Birds Sponsors:
                Amegy Bank
                Abbey Residential
                Chevron
                The Goodman Corporation
                Houston West Chamber of Commerce
                Westco Grounds Maintenance

Five Golden Rings Sponsors:
                Brown & Gay
                Fun, Fair Positive Soccer
                MemberSource Credit Union
                Vaughn Construction
                West Houston Medical Center
                West Plaza Management
                Westchase Specialty Pharmacy
                Westchase Tire and Auto
                Westside Lexus

Thanks also to our in-kind donors, which included Festive Tents, Houston Aeros, Coca-Cola and FastSigns West Houston.

Click to view a slideshow of our 2011 event.  And save the date -- Wonderland in Westchase will return on Thursday, December 13, 2012!