SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Visitors of this coastal city will soon be able to celebrate a few holiday festivities with its permanent sea turtle residents.

Sea Turtle, Inc. will host its free annual Wassailing with the Turtles get-together Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the facility’s Education Complex.

During the holiday event, guests will be able eat appetizers, drink wassail and sing Christmas carols to the non-releasable sea turtles at the facility.

“ We usually have this evening event to enjoy the sunset out on the bay and to sing to our sea turtle named Merry Christmas,” said Sanjuana Zavala, Sea Turtle, Inc.’s Marketing and Public Relations Officer. “A lot of members from the community always like to stop by to catch up and take some photos for the holidays.”

During the event, visitors will also be able to do some holiday shopping at the facility’s gift shop.

Attendees will receive a 10 percent discount if they bring an item on Friends of Animal Rescue’s Christmas wish list.

The nonprofit’s next Christmas event is scheduled for Dec. 14.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures at the facility from 11 a.m. to noon.

Additionally, there will be a cookie decorating station for children.

The event is free with the purchase of admission.

Friends of Animal Rescue Christmas Wish List
• Kongs
• Litter
• Bully sticks
• Clothes dryer
• Cat scratchers
• Heavy duty leashes
• Plastic water pitchers
• Harnesses and collars

IF YOU GO
WHAT — Wassailing with the Turtles
WHEN — Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
WHERE — Sea Turtle Inc. Education Complex, 6617 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island
COST — Free

ahernandez@valleystar.com