Southwest Louisiana residents will have the opportunity to experience inaugural holiday events at Sowela Technical Community College this December.

The college’s Office of Workforce Solutions will be offering 2 public events this Holiday Season: Brunch with Santa and the Sowela Holiday Meal Prep Event.

Up to 150 people will be able to partake in brunch prepared by Sowela’s faculty chefs during Brunch with Santa, which will be taking place on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ana Denison, Workforce Solutions Business Developer, explained that Sowela wanted to provide locals an opportunity to gather to celebrate the holidays. “The inspiration for Brunch with Santa is to bring our community together and celebrate the holidays,” she said.

She continued by stating that this event will also serve as a great opportunity for Sowela to showcase the talents of their culinary staff. “It also gives the community an opportunity to experience a meal prepared by Sowela’s expert chefs who lead our short-term Culinary Essentials training program.”

The chefs’ brunch menu will include eggs, biscuits, bacon, sausage, gravy and Sowela’s unique hot chocolate.

Santa will be at the Brunch to take photos with attendees. The photographs will be taken by a professional photographer, and will be available for $10 a photo. Photos will be available for download following the event.

Tickets for the event at $12 per entry. Children 2 and under will recieve free admission. To register for Brunch with Santa, visit www.Sowela.edu/santa-brunch.

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Holiday Meal Prep event

Sowela will also be hosting the inaugural Holiday Meal Prep event on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. At this event, participants will be guided through the preparation of 3 holiday side dishes – green bean casserole, rice and cornbread stuffing and macaroni and cheese – by Sowela’s faculty chefs.

It is Sowela’s hope that this event will make the holiday season more enjoyable for SWLA residents.

“With the busy holiday season, we recognized a need in our community to help alleviate some of the stress,” said Denison. “With the help of Sowela’s expert chefs, experienced and novice cooks alike can eliminate extra grocery store trips and time spent planning a holiday meal. It truly helps take the guesswork out of meal planning.”

The 2 Sowela chefs will help the participants independently create their side dishes, which they will bring home to eat with their families on the holidays. “Attendees will be able to fully prepare their side dishes and take them home ready to heat and serve,” she said.

The side dishes will be made in 4 inch containers, and will cost $20 per side. All ingredients and take home pans are included.

To reserve your spot for Sowela’s Holiday Meal Prep, visit www.Sowela.edu/meal-prep.