Friday afternoon, hundreds gathered at the Sixth Street Fire Station to meet with Santa Claus — portrayed by Ed Lemond — before parading down his cottage on the Square.
The annual event has had a few changes over the years, but the essential elements of Santa Claus, his cottage, and a giant decorated Christmas tree have been part of generations of local families.
Here are a few photos from Friday’s event.
Christopher Saracino III, 18 months, was ready to charge in for his turn with Santa Claus in his cottage Friday afternoon. His exuberance continued until Santa picked him up to pose for a photo. Tears were brief as the family took a few photos to commemorate the moment—photos by Matthew Crane.
Luana Vaal, 6, (waving) joined Santa (Ed Lemond) and his helper elves as well as some other dignitaries like Little Miss Shamrock Reagan Flannagan and Honorary Little Mister Shamrock Kolten Goeppner for the fire engine ride to light the tree and open Santa’s house on the Jasper Square.
Roy Budnick, 3, explored the fire station after meeting Santa Claus Friday afternoon.
Jasper High School junior Samuel Krapf, 16, held the sheet music for “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” so fellow marching band member Jayden Linderman, 16, could rehearse on his saxophone before leading the parade to the Square from the fire station.
Aleesha Lopez and children, Ellie (10 months), Bralynne (10) and Ezra (6), walked in the parade as a set of fun gifts. Technically, this is Ellie’s second time in the parade. Last year, Aleesha was pregnant with her while the family took part in the fun activities.
Smith Knies, two and a half, took turns playing his flute and marching as he helped lead the parade Friday afternoon.
Each year, the students at the Jasper elementary schools are invited to enter a coloring contest to be chosen to turn on the lights to the Christmas Tree and then open up Santa’s house on the Square. This year – though the competition was tough, Mayor Dean Vonderheide admitted – Luana Vaal’s coloring was chosen. Here, she waits on the countdown to flip the switch to the tree.
Luana Vaal opened the house for Santa to step in and meet the many families that make it an annual tradition to attend.
The annual visit to see Santa and attend the tree lighting has been going on for decades. Many families coming today remember visiting when they were children. Santa’s schedule in the house is as follows.
Sat. Nov. 25: noon-3:00
Sun. Nov. 26: noon-3:00
Fri. Dec. 1: 5 to 8 p.m.
During the first night of O’Tannenbaum Days
Carriage rides will also be available in front of City Hall from 5-8 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 2: noon-3:00
Carriage rides will also be available in front of City Hall from 12-3 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 3: noon-3:00
Carriage rides will also be available in front of City Hall from 12-3 p.m.
