Well, we are back from our sojourn to the Wild West and I am getting back into the

swing of things here at home. I am, however, having trouble getting inspired about

anything earth shattering as subject material for this month’s National Harbor section. I

have to admit that I have “ants in my pants” waiting for Succotash to open but it looks

like it’s a ways away still. In times like this, I turn to my compadres at the Gaylord for

subject matter and they always pull through.

We are not in the habit of printing press releases as a general rule since our content is

submitted by our writers. However, our Public Relations friend, Rachel, sent me the

following press release and we decided it may be just the thing to cool us off during the

month of “Dog Day” August!

“It may be summer, but winter is coming and bringing with it the return of the Capital

Region’s most anticipated holiday celebration – Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord

National Resort. With nearly 500,000 visitors each year, Gaylord National Resort will

offer guests both new events and classic holiday favorites – including its award-winning

ICE! – during its eighth annual celebration beginning November 21st through January

3rd.

Named one of the top 100 North American events by the American Bus Association, the

resort’s world-famous, interactive walk-through ICE! presented by Pepsi®attraction

returns with a brand new theme. Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good

girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special, Santa Claus is Comin’ to

Town, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Artisans from Harbin, China will hand-

carve more than two million pounds of colorful ice into larger-than-life ice sculptures and

two-story ice slides that illustrate scenes from the Christmas classic.

The 9 degree attraction will feature the artisans firsthand in The Frostbite Factory.

Visitors can learn how the attraction is made through colorful sculptures, as well as see

an ice sculptor carve live using chainsaws, ice picks, paintbrushes and more.

In addition to ICE!, families can test their puzzle-solving prowess during The Elf on the

Shelf® Scavenger Hunt, featuring 10 of Santa’s scout elves who have landed at the

Resort. This interactive event will lead guests on a journey to find the elves, reveal their

names and help them get their Christmas magic so they can fly to the North Pole. All

families that help the scout elves fulfill their special Christmas mission will receive a

prize.

Visitors also can experience more than two million lights adorning the resort, nightly

holiday fountain shows, indoor snowfall, photos with Santa, an indoor train ride, gourmet

holiday food and beverage offerings, winter spa treatments, a new Gingerbread

Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS® and more.”

There you have it. When you are sweating your brains out during the course of the rest

of the summer, put yourself into a zen-like moment and think about wandering around in

9 degrees checking out how Santa Clause came to town!

Stay cool everyone!