By Mary Owen
Ho ho ho! Santa’s hearty laugh will shake Santiam Canyon towns as well as his rotund belly this holiday season.
“New this year in Stayton will be Santa and his sleigh at the tree lighting,” said Kelly Schreiber, executive director of Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce. “Don’t forget to bring cameras for some great pictures of your children with Santa as he learns their wishes.”
Schreiber said children will also get to help light the city’s Christmas tree this year.
“Home for the Holidays has events in both Stayton and Sublimity for everyone to enjoy,” Schreiber said. “For both communities it’s about community pride and the spirit of Christmas. The event brings out hundreds of people to see the lights, sing some holiday songs, and sip hot chocolate.”
Santa events include:
Toys for Joy Santa Cruise and Breakfast with Santa: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Stayton Fire Station. Breakfast costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors/children. Info: 503-930-8976.
Holiday movie, “Elf,” 3:30 p.m. at Star Cinema. Admission is $1 or one can of food for the Stayton Food Bank.
Santa leads the Flashlight Parade at 5:15 p.m. from the movie theater to the tree lighting at Third and Virginia.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. Caroling, cookies.
“Many organizations and individuals have contributed their time and talents to make the events happen,” Schreiber said. “It’s the true meaning of the spirit of the holidays in creating this blessing for everyone to enjoy.”
Santa heads to Sublimity for the second annual Christmas in the Country Light Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. The parade starts at Sublimity Middle School and winds down Main Street, ending at the Sublimity Fire Station, 115 Parker St., for the tree lighting in the Early Settler’s Park at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Sublimity Fire District, Sublimity Volunteer Firefighters Assoc., and Marian Estates Auxiliary.
“Santa will make a visit to our station,” Chief Brandon Hamilton said. “It’s our 100th anniversary for the fire district, and we’ll be serving birthday cake.”
Sublimity firefighters are also collecting food for Christmas food baskets for people who need a hand-up this holiday. The fire truck will roll through town picking up food donations starting at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8.
“We give away about 50 full turkey dinners, from turkey to pumpkin pie,” Hamilton said.
“This is something we enjoy doing every year. We look forward to seeing all the kids, and let them visit Santa.”
For more information, call 503-769-3282.
Santa’s also making his rounds via sleigh in Aumsville on Saturday, Dec. 8, to deliver bags of candy, peanuts and an orange to all the good little boys and girls in town.
“It’s a joy to see kids excited when Santa comes,” said Patti Etherington, police clerk. “It’s just a fun time for everyone involved!” Santa will start his visit at 11 a.m. in Highberger Meadows and then proceeds through the city streets, making occasional stops to get down and visit with the children. He plans to join Mayor Harold White at the Chester Bridges Memorial Community Center by 5:30 p.m. for the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tower Park.
The tree will be lit at 6 p.m., and hot cocoa, cider, coffee and cookies will be served.
“We will once again have carolers as well as festively-lit wagon rides provided by Sweet Stone Stables,” said Colleen Rogers, city clerk. “Santa will also hand out any leftover goodie bags.”
Kids can win prizes at the Fishing Pond, a fundraiser for the Aumsville Youth Council.
Tickets are 25 cents per game. Food will also be collected for the local food bank.
“We always have a good time, and hope people will enjoy visiting and celebrating again this year,” Rogers said.
For more information, call Santa’s faithful helper, Patti, at the Aumsville Police Department, 503-749-2188.
