Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Although it’s just a few short weeks until he takes off on his annual Christmas Eve journey around the world, Santa Claus managed to sneak away from the North Pole to visit Pocahontas County last weekend.
With the elves hard at work finishing up the presents, and Mrs. Claus in charge, Santa made his first stop in Marlinton Friday night for the annual Christmas parade. He dined on pancakes at the Marlinton Rotary Club Dinner at Marlinton Elementary School. After telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas, each child received a Hershey bar – full bars! – from the jolly old man.
Santa was then whisked away for his appearance in the Christmas parade. He rode through town on the bumper of a Marlinton Fire Department truck, driven by Travis Cook. After the parade, Santa visited with children at Discovery Junction.
The parade route was filled with creative float entries, making it hard for judges to select the top three. Winners received a monetary award provided by Mitchell Chevrolet.
First place went to the Pocahontas County Health Department; second place to Marlinton Presbyterian Church; and third place to the PCHS Golf Team.
Saturday kicked off with a day trip to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, accompanied by Mrs. Claus. At the Company Store, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with children – both local and those who came to town to ride the special Christmas train.
The day was filled with fun activities in Santa’s Workshop and ended with a Christmas tree lighting.
From Cass, Santa hitched a ride on a fire truck with Bartow-Frank-Durbin Fire Department deputy chief Dennis Egan, who drove him to the Arbovale Community Center.
Santa joined the crowd at the center in lighting the Christmas tree and then made note of what everyone wanted to Christmas as they mingled and snacked on Christmas treats. The Hilltop Choir provided even more Christmas cheer with classic carols and secular Christmas songs.
It was just one of many busy weekends for Santa Claus, who quickly returned to the North Pole to make sure the elves got his updated Christmas wish list from Pocahontas County children.
Since he had such a wonderful visit, Santa has made plans to return.
You can see him this weekend at the Christmas at Cass Craft Show and other events.
On Saturday, December 16, he will join his Durbin Lions Club friends for the annual “Santa Run” through the northern end of Pocahontas County.
His journey will be as follows – Par Mar in Green Bank, 1 p.m.; Trent’s in Arbovale, 1:15 p.m.; Bear’s Den in Boyer, 1:40 p.m.; Thornwood Loop, 2 p.m.; BFD Parking lot in Durbin, 2:20 p.m.
You’d better be on your best behavior – you never know where the magical man may appear next.
