The Osceola Chamber celebrated Three Kings Day in Osceola County for the 19th year on January 8.
The Feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany, takes place every year on January 6th. It is an intricate part of Latin folklore, and an exciting day for children. The belief is that the Three Kings will visit good children and bring them gifts just as the they visited the newly-born Christ Child in Bethlehem and bore him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If a child has been good for the past year he will receive toys, but if the child was misbehaved or naughty, he would instead find a lump of dirt or charcoal. This tradition is much older than that of Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve.
For our Three Kings Day event, The Osceola Chamber presented all children age 11 and under with a new toy and the chance to win a brand new bike or tablet. Attendees of all ages also enjoyed goody bags with contributions from our sponsors, hot dogs, popcorn, and Gatorade, and photos with the Kings themselves.
Three Kings Day Osceola is made possible by a partnership with Experience Kissimmee, and contributions from title sponsor Orlando Health, and sponsors Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Florida Technical College – Kissimmee Campus, Kissimmee Utility Authority, AdventHealth, ABC Paving & Sealcoating, Toho Water Authority, Tompkins Family Foundation, Florida Blue, SkyWater Technology, and HCA Florida Hunter’s Creek Emergency.
Crowds were entertained by live music and radio personalities from Exitos 96.5, Rumba 100.3, and El Nuevo Zol. We had invaluable help from the Disney VoluntEARS, the Knights of Columbus, and the Hispanic Business Coalition Board of Directors. Florida Technical College and Sam’s Club kept us fed, Toho Water Authority and Gatorade kept us hydrated, and KUA made sure moments with the Kings were recorded for posterity. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando contributed toys.
As you see, it takes a village to bring this event to the community, so we thank all who came out to enjoy it. Check out all of the fun in the gallery, and we hope to see you next year!
Christina was raised in St. Cloud and holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. She joined the Chamber in April 2015. As Director of Administration, she manages the Area Council’s events, sub-committee meetings, projects, and board engagements.
