Koniag’s Anchorage Shareholder Christmas party was held at the Alaska Native Heritage Center on December 10, 2007 at 5 p.m. Close to 300 shareholders and their descendants came to meet and greet friends and other family members.
Those who were brave enough to weather the cold were able to ride in a horse drawn sleigh around the lake throughout the evening. John Anderson played background guitar music and the Immamsuat Dancers performed after a dinner of perok, halibut and pot roast with mashed potatoes, vegetables, macaroni and cheese and all the trimmings.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus surprised over 100 children who then listened to Mrs. Santa read the story, “Twas the night before Christmas,” and sing along with Santa on his guitar and Mrs. Claus to some Christmas songs. Each of the children sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they wished for Christmas. Santa gave out Christmas bags and candy canes to each child and was helped by elves, Vicki Novak, Lorena Skonberg and Tina Wasilie, (Anchorage Shareholder Committee members).
The elves also assisted with handing out a couple dozen door prizes to some lucky shareholders or descendants who were holding the lucky ticket numbers drawn. The grand prize of 20,000 Alaska air miles was won by shareholder, Amber Jenkins.
Fun was had by all and Santa and Mrs. Santa were whisked away by Rudolf , Dancer, Dasher, Prancer and Vixen and Comet and Cupid and Donner & Blitzen into the starry night to deliver toys to more boys and girls.