Winter wonderland

The cold atmosphere of the north was transported to South Texas, or so it seems at the Holiday Forest in the Civic Center, 710 W. Ave. A. The transformation was courtesy of the City of Port Aransas with this city grounds crew doing the heavy work. The hardworking 'elves' shown here spent a lot of time papering the walls, hanging ornaments and candy from the ceiling and creating a backdrop for Santa. In addition, this crew entered a tree in the competition, winning one of the two judges' awards for their angel tree. Standing from left are Harold Foster, Sylvia Cortez, Melisa Alvarado, Mario Zena, Joel Arzola and Rosie Martinez. The forest will be open today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 20 and 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.