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Airports Get Into Holiday Spirit

Three airports – Philadelphia International (PHL), LaGuardia (LGA) and Jacksonville International (JAX) – have the holidays going on in full swing.

At PHL, the Philadelphia Marketplace Food & Shops have scheduled a variety of events throughout the season. Through Dec. 28, special gift tables will offer favorite gift items of participating retail locations outside their stores; tables will be set up from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the B/C Connector and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the D/E Connector.

Santa will appear every day from through Dec. 24, and carolers wearing Victorian garb will perform traditional holiday songs throughout the holidays on Dec. 12 (4-6 p.m.), Dec. 13 (5-7 p.m.), Dec. 19 (2-4 p.m.), Dec. 20 (3-5 p.m.) and Dec. 23 (3:30-5:30 p.m.).

Liberty USO volunteers will wrap gifts purchased from any airport retailer for free at the gift wrap station, located across from the food court between Concourses B and C. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 24. The Food & Shops will donate $2,500 to the Liberty USO, and the community may also contribute at the USO office in Terminal A-East.

 “We are proud to support the Liberty USO and the services they provide to military families in our area,” says Clarence LeJeune, president of the Philadelphia Marketplace Food & Shops. “We look forward to the annual gift wrap and the other holiday activities and events to put our passengers in the holiday spirit.”

At LGA, the Food & Shops is offering a Gifts to Go shopping program. Retailers including The Body Shop, Taxco Sterling and Borders will offer tables outside their storefront with gift items for sale.

The Food & Shops will also be raffling off a pair of chandelier diamond earrings from Taxco Sterling, valued at $2,000. Travelers can complete a raffle entry form at any pre-security retail store through Dec. 21; the winner will be announced the next day.

A coupon booklet with 20 coupons for stores and restaurants is also available at the Apple Aide desk, and at the AirTran, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and jetBlue ticket counters.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority also has its own holiday cheer to spread through Dec. 12.

Travelers will be entertained by local school groups with singing and instrumentals in the airport’s center court yard. Students will perform for half an hour at a time from 10 a.m. to noon.
“This year’s holiday program will serve a dual purpose,” said Michael Stewart, director of external affairs for the JAA.  “These events will showcase the talents of local students for travelers and bring the holiday spirit to the airport.”

In addition, 21 Christmas trees have been decorated by local business sponsors, and travelers and visitors are encouraged to cast their vote for their favorite by making $1 donations; there will be two winners. Proceeds will benefit the Dreams Come True organization, which helps children struggling with life-threatening illness accomplish their dreams.

The JAA will also be collecting toys for local families, as well as non-perishable food items to be donated to local shelters. Collection bins for both will be available at the annual fish fry on Dec. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Piedmont Hangar, 2110 Cole Flyer Road, as well as the authority’s three general aviation airports: Craig (CRG), Herlong (HEG) and Cecil Field (VQQ).

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