Adalynn Lindsey is all smiles as she visits with Santa. (Photos by Deb Patterson)
SYRACUSE — The atmosphere at Syracuse Community Center Saturday morning, Dec. 7, was charged with excitement as over 200 children of all ages came to visit Santa.
Emmalynn Lindsey gives Santa a serious look.
There was plenty to do for those who came while they waited to see Santa or after their visit with the jolly Ole St. Nick.
Local groups from Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse Public Library, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Society had craft opportunities available to make or kits to take and make at home. Kids and adults, could write letters to Santa to place in his special mailbox, create their own reindeer antler head bands or picture foam ornaments, create a paper Christmas tree and yarn and stick ornaments. You could even make a small bag of deer feed to put out for Santa’s reindeer.
A breakfast of pancakes and sausage was served by members of the Wawasee Kiwanis, while Boy Scout Troop 738 had homemade cookies available. The Wawasee High School Band provided a wide range of Christmas/holiday music for those who gathered for the breakfast, which was enjoyed by all ages with appreciation shown by applause after each song.
In addition to each child taking home a craft, a take home photo keepsake from his or her visit with Santa was provided by members of the Knights of Columbus.
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Ann VanDyke was Santa’s helper as she poured drinks for guests.
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Randy Huber and Bill Haldewang serve up the pancakes.
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Wawasee High School Band played a variety of Christmas music during the annual Breakfast with Santa at the Lakeland Youth Center.
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Brady Edwards is watching the Wawasee High School Band, while his brother Elija Edwards would rather eat. Shown on the right are Jon Edwards and Lindsey Gunderson.
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Bree Watters enjoys her pancake.
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Jackson Hayes, member of Boy Scout Troop 728, prepares another tray of cookies.
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Zavier Davis, with the help of his mom, Chelcie, makes his own Christmas ornament.
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Abbygale Bradley hand delivered her list to Santa.
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Trenton Michael Huber transformed himself into a reindeer.
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Megan Menzie concentrates on making a reindeer ornament out of yarn and twigs.
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Eland Fawley decides where to place a sticker on his paper Christmas Tree.
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Kassandra Huber works on decorating her reindeer head band.
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Peggy Genshaw, board president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Society helps Eric wetzel, Josh Wilson and Austin Cripe put together reindeer food.
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Shown in font Timarie, Enzo and Jackson Cole and big brother Louie Cole pose for a photo while writing a letter to Santa.
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A group of crafters listen to instructions on making their own paper Christmas tree.
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Kali and Bryce Lursen put their letters to Santa in his special mailbox.