SPANISH FORT, Ala. — They came to paint ornaments and eat homemade cookies.

In fact, several dozen area children buzzed Saturday between 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center’s three main buildings, while local enthusiasts readied the annual Canoe and Kayak Flotilla down Sardine Pass.

The environmental education center’s Holiday Celebration was in full swing, but little did the unsuspecting guests know they’d get literal face time with two of the facility’s most famous residents: Loretta the Opossum and Amelia the Skunk.

“We tried showing a Christmas movie in the (Tensaw) Theater last year, but we didn’t have a lot of people sit down and watch, so we decided to do what we do best this year and teach our mammal class for the kids, instead,” said 5 Rivers’ Assistant Manager Shonda Borden.

Aileena Smith, 4, of Daphne cozied up to the center’s red-bellied turtles, and Vanessa Smith, 7, listened intently while learning opossums have pouches like kangaroos.

Little hands flew up in the air and answers were blurted excitedly as Borden and Kellie Dorie showcased Loretta and Amelia, but the strains of Delta Reign beckoned visitors to the lobby of nearby Delta Hall.

While the local bluegrass artists entertained adults and children alike, Madelyn Smith prepared a homemade bird feeder, while Joseph Delagarzia, both 3 of Spanish Fort, colored a Christmas picture.

“I’m making a card for my mom,” said Carter Sullivan, 9, of Spanish Fort, returning in earnest to his construction paper and art supplies.

Andrea Salinas, 7, of Daphne beamed while showing off her own handiwork.

“It’s just nice to have a place like this to come to as a family and enjoy the Christmas spirit without feeling so rushed and hectic,” said Emma Rogers of Daphne, while her daughters painted gingerbread-man ornaments and guzzled hot chocolate.

(Staff video by Kelli M. Dugan)

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