Santa sightings usher in the holidays

Santa arrives in DeBorgia for the Schoolhouse Lighting

Santa Claus has been spotted all over Mineral County, much to the delight of children who eagerly anticipate a chance to tell him what they want for Christmas this year. The first sighting was in DeBorgia on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the annual Schoolhouse Lighting. The tiny two-story building sprang to life with strings of holiday lights and decorations to kick off the holiday season.

About two dozen local residents gathered inside and sang some traditional Christmas carols led by the St. Regis School choir and band members under the direction of Derek Larson. Afterwards, everyone munched on holiday cookies and hot chocolate provided by the DeBorgia Historic School House Foundation.

Larson said he encourages this because it shows his students that community service can be fun. He then had to hurry them back to the bus and so they could make it to basketball practice.

Sharon Kortuem, who helped organize the event, said they didn’t have as many kids as they’ve had in the past because many of the local families have moved away. The group has been putting on this event for the past five years and the program changes annually, depending on who’s available to provide the entertainment.

Minutes later a fire truck with lights flashing and horns blaring announced the arrival of Santa in the parking lot outside. The kids ran outside to greet him as he stepped off the truck.

“I’ve never given a ride to Santa on the fire truck before,” said John, one of the fire fighters.

Inside the schoolhouse the kids took turns sitting on Santa’s lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Six-year-old Levi said he wanted a skateboard and Aden asked for a bike. All of them received a small bag of goodies and had a good time as the evening came to a close.

Kortuem had one final presentation before everyone left. She unveiled a framed print of an eagle by the well-known artist Robert Bateman. The painting was donated by Nelson and Nyla Stolen and she announced that raffle tickets for the print will be sold as a fundraiser for the schoolhouse.

Nelson had attended the school, which was built in 1908, from grades 1-8. The couple currently lives in Spokane, Washington.

Santa’s second sighting at Wells Fargo Holiday Stroll in Superior

Santa was also spotted at the second annual Wells Fargo Holiday Stroll on Dec. 3 in Superior. Children lined up at noon outside the Old Schoolhouse and waited for their turn to join Santa on his sleigh and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

“You want a ham sandwich for Christmas, don’t you?” he joked with Elli as she attempted to tell him what she really wanted for her gift.

Inside the schoolhouse, local nonprofit organizations had tables lining the room. Their tables were provided free of charge and all proceeds benefit Mineral County nonprofit organization. Businesses who participate paid 5 to 10 percent of their net profits to a nonprofit of their choice.

Organizations represented at the event included the 4-H Club, where members sold cookies and other treats; Alberton’s PEAK Foundation; the DeBorgia Schoolhouse; Parents as Teachers and the Mineral County Historical Society.

Down the street at the Superior School elementary gym, the Friends of Mineral County Library held their annual Craft Bazaar. Leslie Heppe and Shannon Williams sat at a table and welcomed people as they came into the gym.

Heppe said they had 23 vendors, which was twice as many as they had last year. They also provided soup and she said they went through three big pots of it. They also had three tables of books and tables of cookies, most of which sold.

Vendors at both the Old Schoolhouse and at the Craft Bazaar said there were crowds of people and they had a good day of sales. Proceeds from the Craft Bazaar are used to fund summer reading programs for the library.

Author Leslie Budewitz was also scheduled to speak at the craft show, but a family emergency prevented her from being there. Williams said they will reschedule her visit. After the craft show, people were encouraged to participate in the business stroll between 3-5 p.m. Local businesses provided special offers and then people could return to the chamber office and pop a balloon for a chance to win a prize.

Helping Hands Auction

Also on Saturday, Dec. 3, Helping Hands held their annual auction at the River Edge. Funds raised from the auction are used to provide Christmas gifts and food for families in need. This is the 21st annual auction with more than 100 people who showed up to bid on items and enjoy a meal of fish and chips.

About 145 items were up for bid, which included everything from food items to trips, jewelry, art, and goats. Between $5,000 to $7,000 is raised each year.