By Bethany BROWN

JohnHart Real Estate held an event on Sunday, Dec. 12 in celebration of the holiday season at the new JohnHart campus at 2428 Foothill Blvd. The campus now serves as the company headquarters.

The event was free to attend and offered complimentary hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, a “snowground” and sled rides. Ten tons of snow were brought in for people in the community to play in and take sled rides, which provided a Hallmark movie moment for residents of the Foothills. Families stood in a line that stretched down the block as they waited for their turns.

Live music was provided by carolers in festive attire who entertained families as they waited in line and there was a surprise performance by the CVHS Charismatics as the event neared its end. The Falcon choir group is among the most highly regarded and in-demand non-professional choirs in the area.

Event organizer and real estate broker Robbyn Battles said the reason she held the event was she wanted to give back to the community that has been so good to her over the years.

“I’ve lived here all my life; I’ve worked here all my life and this community has continuously been very, very good to me. I felt like hosting this event and giving residents a day of real holiday fun, especially after the last two years, was the least I can do in return,” she said.

Battles said she plans on organizing the event at the campus again next year but will be adding more snow and likely a stage for the performers so they can be better heard from a distance. The turnout was larger than initially expected with around 600 people and she wanted to assure there would be enough refreshments and snow available for many to enjoy next year.

“It was such a great day,” Battles said. “I really do think it was something that the community just really needed. It was Christmas here 100% and it was all about just having fun and enjoying the spirit of the holidays.”