The Dawgs third annual Holiday Hoopla got the community in a festive spirit yesterday, November 26.

The event was held at Duvernay Fieldhouse and was filled with fun activities along with the J-dawgs for the kids to interact with.

Angie Cox, community relations and special events coordinator says they had a number of games and special guests for the kids this year.

"So we have face painting and games, inflatables, a bounce house and of course the big man himself, Santa. He's always a big hit with the kids and we've got Diggity here, and the Oilers mascot Rigger and the town's mascot Big Rocky, so the kids love seeing them as well...It's basically a way to give back to the community for all the support they give us throughout the year."

On top of all the festivities, Cox says, the Dawgs organization also had a bake sale up and running with all funds raised going to the Okotoks Food Bank

"We have the bake sale, and all the proceeds from the bake sale go to the Okotoks Food Bank. They always can use our donations and of course this time of year they are in need more than other times so we are happy to take that money and give it to them and help out during Christmas."

Cox adds overall it's just a great day and event to give back to the community.

"Every year we just hope it gets bigger and bigger and the numbers seem to be growing which is good. We just like people to come into the facility and see what's in this big building, they drive by it all the time but don't really know, and just to interact with our players and we just love giving back and bringing all the kids in and letting them have fun."

The giving doesn't end there, the Dawgs general store was also open for the event so hoopla-goers could get some Dawgs Christmas shopping done.

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