The Spirit of Christmas filled the air in Crown Point on the morning of Saturday, November 25 as Santa Claus flew in for the city’s annual Santa Parade.
Community members saw Santa arrive in style as he flew into Point Plaza aboard a Lake County Sheriff’s Department helicopter — a tradition that stretches back decades in some form. On landing, he greeted a gathered crowd of parents and children, all of whom were eager to meet Saint Nick.
“It’s great to see the community come out year after year for our holiday events,” said Pete Land, Mayor of Crown Point. “It truly speaks to the city’s hometown feel.”
After shaking hands and taking photos with children and their families, Santa hopped on a horse-drawn carriage and paraded down Main Street all the way to the Old Lake County Courthouse in the city’s square. City police, fire and EMS crews guided his carriage along the route.
“Our city employees are dedicated to ‘Building a Stronger Community Within’ and it shows with these large-scale events,” Land said. “We are also grateful for our long-standing relationship with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department that allows us to fly Santa into Crown Point, among other exciting partnerships throughout the year.”
The Grinch and some residents of Whoville also met with families, and followed along behind Santa on the way to the Courthouse.
“This is the cool stuff that brings the kids out,” said Adam Graper, chief administrator of the Crown Point PACE Department. “You see the joy in the kids’ faces when Santa flies in and parades downtown. We have the tree lighting and everything else, but this is really the big kickoff of the holidays here in Crown Point.”
If you and your family missed the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Courthouse every Saturday and Sunday through December between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to visit with families. Visitors should plan to bring their own camera.
Crown Point is also getting ready to host its annual Tour of Lights event, where trolleys take participants on a city-wide tour of homes decorated for the holidays. The tour runs from December 8-9 and 11-14, with registration opening on Friday, December 1 – slots are usually filled by the end of the first week, visit www.crownpoint.in.gov to learn more.
The city is also collecting monetary and food donations to support needy families during the holidays. Monetary donations can be made at the Mayor’s office and the PACE Department at Bulldog Park, while food donations may be brought to Bulldog Park, McFly’s Gentlemen Shop, or if your family has kids attending Timothy Ball Elementary School.
“We appreciate any help we can get in supporting our families during the holiday season,” said Diana Bosse, entertainment superintendent for Crown Point’s PACE Department.
