The population of Roi-Namur swelled to more than 600 people on Dec. 8 as excited children and their parents from Enniburr participated in a long-standing public event at the Tradewinds Theater. Ferries started arriving with the visitors at 9:30 a.m. and continued through the early morning.

As they arrived, children were invited to play games with volunteers from Roi-Namur and Kwajalein hosting the games. Activities included making balloon animals, pineapple bowling, baggo, and hitting piAfA+-atas. By noon, some water from the ocean surge on Roi had turned the yard game and bowling areas into a wet play area and the children made up their own games with the water and mud.

Col. Frederick Clarke, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll commander and Johnsay Kobeney, head Deacon Enniburr's Assembly of God Church, offered a blessing to the food and community. A lunch of chicken, rice, corn, pineapple spears, and cookies was served by volunteers. Enniburr residents enjoyed their lunch on the lawn next to the Tradewinds.

After lunch Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived via the Roi Fire Department 's fire truck. Children formed long lines to receive gift bags filled with flipflops, wire puzzles, water guns, stickers and other items. Babies from 0 to 12 months of age received backpacks with clothes, toiletries, and bath towels. The dedication of hard-working volunteers was obvious to all attendees at this year's event.