MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Hundreds of military members and their families kicked off the holiday season with fun and games during the Children's Christmas Carnival at the Youth Sports Complex here Dec. 5.

The day could not have been more perfect as the sun brightened the many young faces and adults who came out to enjoy the festivities presented by Marine Corps Community Services and several sponsors including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Flying Leatherneck Museum.

The four-hour carnival included live entertainment, carnival rides, games and lots of giveaways and prizes, according to Denise Fairbanks, special events manager, MCCS.

The Youth Center Dancers, a Master Yang Martial Arts Display, an exotic animal show and live music played by the band "High Voltage" provided entertainment to many spectators walking through the carnival.

Other attractions at the event included a 29-foot wave slide, inflatable obstacle course, bungee run, swing ride and a petting zoo for the youngsters. Other booths provided information on services and activities available on and off-base to military members.

Parents then waited with their children for the much anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, who posed for photographs and gave away presents to all of the little boys and girls.

"Santa Claus is the highlight of the event," said Fairbanks. "The event was successful, and people had a good time."

Fairbanks said the carnival is one of two free carnival events MCCS conducts every year for the military families here. The other carnival takes place during the spring.

She said the event brings families together to have a little fun and excitement especially during a time when other families are not so fortunate to be with their loved ones because of the ongoing war on terror.

"This is an opportunity for the kids and parents to put all that aside and for us to give them something fun to do," Fairbanks said. "It's a way for MCCS to bring families together and offer them a program that they can enjoy."