Here comes Santa Claus

COLUMBUS -- A long line of children, whether they had been naughty or nice, lined up to see Santa Claus this weekend.

Old St. Nick arrived on a horse-drawn wagon Saturday at his Columbus home in Frankfort Square. He came into town with Miss Columbus Katelyn Bosak. The two rode on a wagon, courtesy of Diamond D of Bellwood. Later, rides were given to those who visited Santa.

After being welcomed by the large crowd that was lined up around the corner, Santa pulled up a seat in his house and heard the Christmas wishes from the youngsters.

He handed out candy canes to each child, and reminded them to be sure to leave him some cookies, a glass of milk and a carrot or two from his reindeer when he comes to their home Christmas Eve.

It seemed like electronics were on the mind of many children as they asked for Nintendos and games like Guitar Hero. There also were some requests for dogs, cats and a hamster.

Mollie Urkoski, 4, was one who asked for a pet.

“She wants a kitty,” her father, Michael Urkoski, said. “I told her to ask Santa.”

Children of all ages came Saturday, from the very young like 4-month-old Camden Gustafson, who had very little to say about the whole experience, to elementary-aged kids who rattled on and on. It was one of the older kids who made Santa utter to one who was hesitant to sit on his lap, “Don’t worry, my knee is made of steel.”

That is a good thing because he will undoubtedly have a lot of visitors from now until Christmas. Santa will be at his house ready to hear from boys and girls from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays.

Holly Bierman was one who brought her son, Jayden French, 5, and niece, Jenna Aldana, 5, out on the first day Santa came to town. As the two children told Kris Kringle what they wanted for Christmas this year, Bierman said the day when Santa arrives is one they always look forward to. The kids usually make a list and memorize it.

“It’s a wonderful experience to see him come out on his first day, being brought by his horse and buggy,” she said. “It gives them goose bumps.”