Mattapoisett’s seventh annual evening of free holiday fun returns to Shipyard Park on Saturday, December 8 with the Holiday in the Park. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“It’s strictly a community giving event,” said Mel Pacheco, one of the main organizers.

The event will feature food, ornament making, and face painting as well as an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus at 4:15 p.m.

A number of musical groups will perform, including Rick LeBlanc, the Old Hammondtown Chorus and Concert Band, and the Showstoppers.

The tree lighting will follow the event, and this year’s light display promises to dazzle, according to Pacheco.

With funds raised through the town’s first seafood festival in October, Pacheco was able to purchase new lights and decorations.

“We’ve got a lot more lights,” she said. “I think it’s going to be quite spectacular.”

She added, “It’s a great event. It’s all for the children.”

For those coming to the event, the Mattapoisett Lions Club asks that families bring an unwrapped present for a needy child and a canned good.