By: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull
Santa’s arrival was delayed about a week because of weather, but when he finally arrived at the Historic Hollister Train Depot on Dec. 16 the kids, parents and grandparents waiting for him did notseem to care. He arrived safely at about 3:00 p.m. in a Western Taney County Fire Protection Rescue Truck with a Hollister police escort.
Hollister Assistant City Administrator, Vonnie Mathiesen estimated that the turnout was about 100. She explained that although, for a variety of reasons, attendance was not as great as in years past, the important thing was that the long established tradition of Santa coming to the children in the Hollister area was continued. She said, “If just one child left happy then the whole event was worthwhile.”
The event was jointly sponsored by the Hollister Parks Department and the Hollister Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Santa Claus, the children were entertained by the clowns Ronzo and Sugar who also made balloon figures and Sprinkles, the clown, who did face painting. Pam Druffle, Chairman of the Board of the Hollister Chamber of Commerce described the event as a way of giving back to the community and said, “It’s all about the kids.”
Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.
