An Evening with Santa hosts over 1,300 visitors

Santa was a popular guy during his visit to First Christian Church, 455 W. Southmor Rd., this weekend: He said there was a line of people waiting outside when he got there.

An Evening with Santa hosted over 1,300 for it’s annual Christmas party, which featured a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, balloon animals, a storytime with the Morris Area Public Library, WCSJ 103.1 FM, the Morris Fire Department, and more.

“It was a great night,” Santa said. “I think the best thing is we had probably 25 or 30 moms with children under 13 months, and we have a line for babies that young because Mrs. Claus realizes the youngins have to stay on a schedule, and it’s not fair to make them wait.”

Santa also thanked the Grundy County Explorers, the Knights of the Innocent, Grundy County Emergency Management, the Coal City Performings Arts Theatre students and students from Morris Community High School for performing as Christmas characters.

The event was sponsored by WCSJ 103.1, D Constructions, D’Arcy Motors and Advanced Auto and Tire in Coal City.

Santa also said he appreciates the First Christian Church for allowing An Evening with Santa to use its building. He also thanked Mrs. Claus for making the trip from the North Pole with him, and wanted to let her know he appreciates her.

The future first responder scholarships for this year will be decided over the coming days, and Santa will deliver the scholarships to the winners on Christmas morning.