Mrs. Claus and a gathering of excited children eagerly await Santa as he gets ready to sprinkle his magic tinsel to light the tree. (Photos by Phil Wheeler)

BY PHIL WHEELER

To the delight of children of all ages, Oak Harbor was paid an early Christmas visit by Kris Kringle and his lovely wife last Saturday.

Santa gathered all the young children around the Christmas tree, led everyone in a few Christmas Carols, and then, the magic happened. With a wave of his arms he sprinkled his magic tinsel and the big tree in front of the cabin was suddenly ablaze with white lights.

Kara, 7, and Cheyenne, 3, pose for a picture before talking with Santa Claus to share with him all their Christmas wishes. Their parents, Joe and Kelsey Rollheiser, brought them to see the Big Guy and Mrs. Claus.

The festivities continued with little ones getting to meet Santa inside the cozy log cabin, and sharing their Christmas wishes.

“Each child who visits with Santa gets two Santa Bucks to spend at the secret Santa shop,” announced Valerie Winterfield of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. The fire station was set up for cookies and cocoa. Presents for mom and dad were available for purchase with their Santa Bucks.

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the large crowd gathered to meet them in Oak Harbor.

SWIG Ohio brought a shuttle bus, hoping to stuff it full with canned goods and toys for local charities like the Food Pantry, Ruth Ann’s House, and the Salvation Army. SWIG is a company that provides rides for events like a brew or wine hop, a custom outing for friends or co-workers, or transportation to a ballgame, concert or wedding. This day, they were collecting food and toys for those less fortunate.

The next two Fridays — Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. — Santa with be paying additional visits to the log cabin, so don’t miss it!