Snowy weather didn’t stop crowds from attending Coca-Cola’s Winter Wonderland event at the Apollo Theater on Saturday.
The theater offered a variety of holiday-themed activities and performances free and open to the public under the Apollo marquee. Hosted by Billy Mitchell, Apollo Theater tour director, festivities included picture-taking with Santa Claus, prize giveaways and performances Refining Faith and Acapella Soul.
The Apollo was a designated location for a toy drive to benefit STRIVE’s Strong Fathers, Stronger Families Program. Located in East Harlem, STRIVE services hundreds of unemployed or underemployed fathers who are trying to remain positive role models for their families.
Sponsoring the event, Coca-Cola recently renewed its 25-year commitment to supporting the Apollo. The soft drink company has been a key sponsor of the venue since the 1980s.
Later in the evening, the Apollo Theater presented its Amateur Night Holiday Special hosted by hip-hop star and current host of BET’s 106th and Park, Bow Wow. The 4th annual event showcased recent winners of Amateur Night’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category.
Featuring an array of instrumentalists, singers and dancers from ages 11-18, the program captured the spirit of young performers.