There won’t be a parade this year, but that doesn’t mean the North Fort Myers Civic Association isn’t going to make the holidays special for those living in Palmona Park.

The NFMCA invites you to come to the Church of the Brethren at 1691 Pacific Ave. on Saturday for the North Fort Myers Santa event from 4 to 7 p.m.

The event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus for Christmas wishes and photos, multiple selfie stations, a live nativity, cups of hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and much more, with all kids under 19 receiving a gift.

The previous two years featured a parade, with Santa’s sled, fire trucks and gifts for all the neighborhood kids.

However, with Hurricane Ian and all the debris still along the road (and with the sled damaged in the storm), it would have been difficult, if not impossible for the vehicles to make the turns needed.

“We attempted to drive through there, but we couldn’t round the corners that had debris. So, we had to make it more stationary, but safer, because with the debris, we don’t want the kids on the road,” said Christy-Lee Iwanow, NFMCA vice-president.

The idea was to have a little block party, Iwanow said. There will be multiple backdrops for people to take their selfies, the All-Superior Auto trucks will be there, and perhaps an appearance from County Commissioner Brian Hamman and the Grinch, who Iwanow promised would have a heart.

“Members of the church will also put on a live nativity, where they will be singing and putting on a good show,” Iwanow said. “We expect Santa to come in on a fire truck. It’s going to be like a Christmas festival.”

The event would not be possible without sponsors and volunteers. The NFMCA budget had some money put aside for that, and many people have donated unwrapped new toys at several locations, including North Fort Myers High School.

Any leftover presents will be donated to the Living Word Ministries, so they will not go to waste.

For more information, go to nfmcivic.com.