The big man in red made a special visit to the Town of Lashburn for Santa Claus Day on Dec. 13, a tradition that has delighted the community for several years.
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“This is the third year we’ve organized the Santa Claus Day,” said organizer Tina Pero. “I went to council three years ago and asked permission to put it out there and see what we could organize and it’s just continued.”
The event is always at the whim of Mother Nature.
“The first year we had it there was no snow, so our sleigh ride had to be a horse and wagon ride,” she said.
This year, Mother Nature had other plans for Santa’s arrival.
“Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a different plan this year,” said Pero. “But we have horse and sleigh, which is still happening.”
Outdoor events were forced inside as the cold Lashburn day dipped past -30 C.
“There was supposed to be an outside hot dog roast and hot chocolate but we’ve had to move that inside,” she said. “That’s a fundraiser for our local gymnastics club.”
Luckily, events continued within the warmth of the Lashburn CN Sportsplex. Events included a mini market, sleigh rides, cookie decorating, kids craft, pictures with Santa, fireworks and skating with the Lashburn Senior Flyers.
Pero says Santa Claus Day is something families look forward to.
“I think the families with young kids always look forward to it,” she said. “It’s something local that just enhances the magic of the season.
“Everybody’s always looking forward to supporting local events and our local vendors and organizations.”
She says on top of her efforts organizing the event, she has the help of a committee of ladies who make the day possible.
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