|
|
Latest News from Sebring Ohio
Santa's magic wand illuminates
village of Sebring for the holidays
By GAYLE AGNEW
The Review
A large crowd welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus to Sebring on Monday.
The pair was escorted to village hall in a big red fire truck driven by Fire Chief Jim Cannell.
The Clauses and their entourage strolled to the gazebo at Schreckengost Park.
With the orchestrated version of “Sleigh Ride” in the background, Mayor John W. Smith welcomed the crowd and reminded them of the reason for the season and urged everyone to pass on wishes of “Merry Christmas.”
|
|
Photo By Kevin Graff/The ReviewAllayna Jones, 5, of Sebring holds Santa Claus’ hand as he and Mrs. Claus make their way to the Community Action Center after the lighting of the lights at the Santa Stroll on Monday evening in Sebring
|
Smith introduced chamber President Gayle Agnew who thanked everyone for attending and explained that only Santa could magically illuminate the lights.
As Santa passed his magic wand over the Christmas tree, the entire town was illuminated with holiday lights.
The crowd strolled to the Community Action Center where approximately 100 kids and their families waited for their turn to see the Clauses up close and tell them their Christmas wishes.
First-timers at the Santa Stroll were brothers Aarik Hardy, 4, and Griffin Hardy, 7. While they stood waiting with their grandparents, Beth and Ray Harris, Aarik said he wanted a Nintendo DS and games while Griffin said he wished for a Wii.
A set of duplicate kids, more commonly known as twins, were 4-year-olds Trent and Tyler Rarick, who were with their grandma, Karen Rarick. Trent said he wanted a fire station while Tyler wants a boat. The boys said they are trying to be good because Christopher Pop-In-Kins is watching their every move. When asked if his brother was being good, Tyler said, “Um ... no.”
Standing next to the twins were Deven Minear, 4 and his brother, Matthew, 2 who said they had some duplicate kids but they were waiting in the van with their mom. Deven quietly said he was going to ask Santa to bring him some Aqua Sand.
Most kids were eager to sit on Santa’s lap but there were some tears from a few of the little ones.
Wearing a red and white Santa-style cap, Brandon Lotz, 6, was accompanied by his mother, Brenda, but dad Brent was at work. As Brandon explained to his father afterwards, “The whole town was dark then Santa looked right, then left. He waved his magic wand and the whole town lit up.”
The event was coordinated by Pauline Simchak, assisted by elves Donna-Jo Myers and Patty Weingart along with Judy Sherwood from the Community Action Council. Taking and producing photos of children with the Clauses were Tony Christani and Cindy Christani, who is also chamber treasurer. Behind-the-scenes elves were Bill and Malea Sanor.
Simchak played a double roll, serving as Mrs. Claus along with Jerry Safreed, who appeared as Santa.
In addition to a photo, each child received a candy cane and activity book, courtesy of the Sebring Area Chamber of Commerce. |
| |
