By Bryan Marshall
With Thanksgiving a couple days away, the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department already is making plans for the Christmas holiday season.
From letters from Santa Claus to an in-person visit by the jolly, bearded man from the North Pole, the department will offer a variety of programs throughout December.
The 19th annual Holiday Happening Craft Show on Saturday, Dec. 2., in the lobby of City Hall will feature vendors from Richmond, Berea and surrounding communities.
The craft show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Santa making an appearance between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Everything is handcrafted,” said Maggie Kriebel, assistant program coordinator for the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department. “We will have about 20 vendors on site. There will be things like jewelry, kitchen and bath accents, quilts and pillows and of course, ornaments.”
“I think it’s a wonderful way for the citizens to be able to come and pick something a little more individualized and unique as a gift.”
After his appearance at the craft show, Santa will be busy in Richmond the rest of the month with several other activities for children.
Courtesy of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Eastern Kentucky University, Santa will be making free phone calls to kids Dec. 4-15 on weeknights only.
The application deadline for Santa’s Hotline is Dec. 13 and it should be turned into the Parks and Recreation Department at 321 North Second St.
Applications are available at both Richmond McDonald’s locations as well as at www.richmond.ky.us.
For those wanting something in written form, Santa also will be writing personalized letters to all those who apply by Dec. 19.
For only $2, a child will receive a decorated personalized letter or they can receive a complementary e-mail message.
To receive an e-mail, parents should go to http://parks.richmond.ky.us, click on “E-mail Santa” and have their child send Santa his or her wish list.
Finally, Santa will be making the rounds around Richmond to the homes of children who have pre-registered for a visit.
Escorted by a Richmond police officer, Santa will deliver stuffed animals from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12, 14 and 19 and 21.
The cost is $15 for the first child and $5 for each additional child at the same residence. Applications for all of the holiday programs can be picked up at the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department office.
“When Santa comes to the house, some kids might be a little bit nervous,” Kriebel said. “Most kids are really excited and happy. There’s always a really good reaction.”
For more information about any of the holiday programs, call 623-8753 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“The programs are very successful because we try to offer something for everyone,” Kriebel said. “I think it’s an all-inclusive way to get the community involved. We’re really excited to get the 2006 Christmas season off to a good start.”
Bryan Marshall can be reached at bmarshall@richmondregister.com or 624-6691.
