Flurries of snow may be a rare occurrence along the Gulf Coast, but hundreds of children in Foley had the chance to experience “snow,” even though it was man-made.

It took an 18-wheeler full of ice blocks and nearly an hour to create the winter wonderland of most coastal Alabama child’s dreams. For most of the hour it took to prepare two fields full of snow, children eagerly watched and waited to be allowed to start what will likely be the only snowball fight in Foley this winter.

The snow in Foley’s Heritage Park was the main attraction for the “Let it Snow” event the city hosts every year. Other attractions included bounce houses, storytelling with Mrs. Claus and musical entertainment.

The event followed the Foley Christmas parade, which was sponsored by the Foley Kiwanis club and included Christmas floats, performers and a slew of antique tractors. According to event organizers, Santa threw more than $2,000 worth of candy to all of the kids, and kids at heart, who lined the streets of Foley to share a little holiday cheer.