SANTA HOUSE OPENED DECEMBER 2ND....

Well Santa is finally here in Grain Valley.

Chris and John took time out to take a picture with Santa.

Saturday December 2nd, was opening day for the Santa House. Chuck Johnston was our honoree for the chair and we had some pretty cold weather to deal with. It took 7 of us to set up the area for us to use. Thanks to the Arnold's tent and his side covers, we were able to set up and keep us from freezing as the weather was very cold. The winds were blowing and at times we thought we may be in a Mary Poppins's movie and were waiting to fly into the air. This did not stop any of the kids from wanting to see Santa. As we registered kids for the pictures, we invited them in the tent to warm up next to the heater that John provided. Without that, we would have ice on our noses. We had 45 kids that came to see Santa between 1:00 and 5:00. We had one that came while we were still setting up and we went ahead and signed them up and then once Santa arrived we had three different kids waiting for him. Many of these are repeat visitors and comment very openly that they have been coming for three years or how ever many they have come. We sold some nuts, candies and popcorn during their visits. 45 kids use to be a good days in our earlier years, now we sometimes average about close to 60 to 70 on a good day. Last year after the Holiday train we had record days of over 100 kids per day and we are planning for that again as the train will come in before our last weekend. Our prices are great and they get A-1 treatment when they come. I want to thank those who did work this last Sunday, Irma, Mary, Bob, Jeanette, Jim Brown and his wife Cindy, yes we put her to work too and of course Sheila and Dale. Some of them may have thought they did not do anything but little do they know that just being there helps to keep conversation and most of all add more body heat to the tent.
We always welcome the workers. There are nuts, candies and popcorn to sell, sign up the kids for pictures and drawings, taking pictures, making sure our Claus' have the canes, small toys and anything else that may need to be done. We also have people who ask "What does Optimist do?" Well we have brochures but we tell them a little about us and how we look for new members all the time. So come out and visit, work for a little or come and take pictures for me to include in the blog. We can always use the help.
John and I provide coffee, hot chocolate and sometimes some goodies for our workers. So if your baking and want to bring us a good or two, we will take it. Thanks everyone.
Christy... event chairman

Santa Claus that needs no introduction, Chuck Johnston.

Our little house, as you can see we had to use the side entrance this time because of the direction of the wind. This was taken almost at 3:00.

Here Jeanette was showing Mary where she left off and refreshing her on what needs to be done.
Erma, Mary and Bob inside the tented area staying warm.