November 30, 2015 at 2:19 p.m.
Santa attends tree-lighting ceremony in Rhinelander
Santa attends tree-lighting ceremony in Rhinelander
By Kayla Thomason-
Parents and children were all bundled up against the brisk air, while some of the latter played in the dusting of snow. Others combated the temperatures with a cup of hot chocolate, provided by the Oneida County Tavern League and Big Daddy's.
Three pine trees glowed with various colored lights as approximately 25 children and their parents waited in line to see Santa.
"I'd have to say (the turnout was) more than previous years but Santa's still happy to be here," said the jolly old elf, noting that the majority of the youngsters who made requests asked for monster trucks or "Frozen" items.
Sophia Pearson was excited to tell the man in red what she wants for Christmas.
"I told Santa I wanted more DohVinci," she said. "It's kind of like Play-Doh except it like dries on cardboard."
"I thought it was great (seeing Santa)," she added.
Skyler Dodge told Santa she wanted a sewing machine.
"It was OK, (seeing Santa)," she said.
Sebastian Birckman, 3, waited very patiently in line to ask Santa for something many Wisconsin youngsters hope to find under the tree.
"I want ball, a Packers ball," he told Santa when it was his turn.
Organizers were happy with the turnout.
"We had quite a few people for how cold it was," said Lauren Sackett, tourism and event coordinator at the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "(It was) a little warmer than last year, but it was a very good turnout."
Carolers from Calvary Baptist Church and their friends played some holiday music for the crowds.
Trig's and Walgreens donated cookies and candy, which was handed out by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwoods.
The event was made possible by the city of Rhinelander, the chamber of commerce, Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. The Oneida County Tavern League and Big Daddy's.
"We just appreciate all the businesses that decorated their windows downtown and we look forward to doing it again next year," Sackett said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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