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Tuesday, 01 December 2009 |
 Santa Claus is set to arrive in Wapakoneta this Saturday with return visits on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. This weekend includes visits by Santa’s helpers such as his reindeer, who will be resting on the Wapakoneta Fire Department lawn. There is to be free pony rides and train rides. Staff photo/William Laney By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
Despite being Santa Claus’ busiest month of the year, the man in the red suit intends to spend more than three hours in Wapakoneta this Saturday.
For the third year in a row, Kris Kringle will trek more than 2,500 miles from his wintry North Pole home to Wapakoneta as part of the Children’s Hometown Holiday.
The holiday event is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and encompasses the generosity and assistance of more than 20 local business and organizations.
Starting at 9:30 a.m., Santa is to ride into town on a fire truck from the Wapakoneta Middle School to his “outpost” on the Wapakoneta Fire Department lawn to meet with children.
Also at Santa’s outpost are to be free books distributed by the Junior Service League and goodie bags donated by Alan Davis Insurance.
Elaine Poppe, who has helped organize the event since its inception in 2007 said this year’s version has a few new twists which are sure to dazzle the children — one of which includes Mr. Claus’ favorite mode of transportation.
“A big change for this year is that Santa’s reindeer will be at his house this year,” Poppe said. “They’ll be available for kids to have their pictures taken with.”
Poppe said Main Street is to be cordoned off between Willipie and Perry streets to provide a safer experience for the children and their parents.
Also new for this year is free pony rides and free rides on the Freedom Train.
Poppe said the train is set to stop at four different places around the city, transporting children and their families to one of the many locations offering photo opportunities and treats.
Poppe said children can write letters to Santa at the Cloud Nine Cafe, and will be able to mail them at a special mailbox set up at the Wapakoneta Post Office.
Dad’s Toy Shop also will be piping out children’s holiday music from their speakers on Auglaize Street.
At 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Beth Steiner is scheduled to read Christmas stories at the Wapakoneta branch of the Auglaize County District Library near the Christmas tree.
Once Santa leaves his outpost at 1:30, families can walk next door to the Wapak Theater for a feature film. Tickets are free of charge for children younger than 12, and was donated by Kim and Pete Suter and the Breakfast Optimist Club.
The tickets can be picked up prior to the movie at Cloud Nine Cafe, Home Savings Bank, Miller’s Corral and Niswonger Chevrolet.
Santa plans to return to his outpost from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 12 and 19.
Poppe said the Children’s Hometown Holiday began two years ago after she determined a change needed to be made with how Santa visited local children.
“I was deploring the fact there wasn’t a Santa House,” Poppe said. “Santa would come into town on a fire truck and just visit a few miscellaneous places.”
Poppe said she was able to talk several Wapakoneta High School students into building the outpost and Pam Doepker gained permission to place it at the fire department.
From there, Poppe said the event has been off and running.
“The first year we were thrilled to have about 175 kids, then last year we had closer to 500,” Poppe said. “This year, we’re expecting even more.
“It’s just a wonderful, wonderful day,” she said.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 02 December 2009 )
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