Santa and Mrs. Claus bring love and happiness to local children after the Lincoln Christmas Parade

 

[December 03, 2022] 

After the Christmas Parade in Lincoln on Thursday evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus spent time at the Logan County Tourism Bureau Visitors Center at the Lincoln Depot on Chicago Street.

While there, they enjoyed spending time with those who love and still believe Santa is a vital part of the Christmas season.

Among the many people who gathered inside the Depot were the three members of the Logan County Royalty, Queen Emma Stoltzenburg, Junior Miss Isabella Pollice, and Little Miss Logan County Luci Bobell.

The three queens enjoyed visiting with area children and parents as they arrived. When Santa appeared, they also took their turn with the Christmas icon and Mrs. Claus, including time for a few photos to commemorate the evening.

Also on hand Thursday evening were the two Grand Marshals from the parade, Spud Newhouse and Marsha Fernandes. The LCTB Board of Directors selected the two to be honored as the Grand Marshals because they have done a great deal to promote and provide homes for our local veterans via the Tiny Home project administered by the Central Illinois Veterans Commission.

Santa and Mrs. Claus had been part of the Christmas parade. As the final entry in the parade, the two and some special guests were driven around town in a lovely horse-drawn carriage, then delivered to the Depot to visit with those awaiting them.

When they arrived at the Depot, some very excited kids and adults greeted the couple. Some visitors had made it to the Depot before the Clauses and took advantage of warm cocoa and cookies while waiting.
 

When Santa came in, he spotted the cookies and was quite excited about them. But then, he decided he better be good and pass the sweets by in favor of spending time with all the children who awaited him.

When asked if he was on a diet, he said, "No I don't do very well with diets, because I cheat."

The line was long, but everyone waited their turn to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Some youngsters were very excited, jumping up and down, but when it came time to sit on his lap or talk to him, they became timid.

Seeing Santa give hugs and children whispering their Christmas wishes in his ear has always been delightful to watch. The wonder of it all, seeing things through the eyes of a small child, warms the heart and reminds us that love is contagious.

[Karen Hargis/Nila Smith]