Santa visits county, takes requests

Even though numerous children write him letters each year, Santa Claus likes to leave the North Pole for a little field work.

This past weekend, there were several Santa sightings at area seasonal celebrations.

“I like Franklin County. There’s a lot of good kids here,” Santa said Sunday between visits at Pomona’s Holiday Village.

He was wrapping up his weekend at the second annual Pomona Merchants Holiday Lighting Celebration, which included a residential and business contest and free hot dogs.

Santa said he had heard a lot of requests from children in Franklin County this year. He fielded a request for a pony, another child asked for a bell off of his sleigh, and even a few kids asked for clothes.

Savannah Cannon, 9, Quenemo, told Santa that she wanted “Hannah Montana stuff.”

At Williamsburg, Ally Milliken, 8, Williamsburg, asked Santa for tickets to the North Pole. She visited with him Saturday at the Williamsburg Community Building.

Williamsburg’s celebration included a parade, a community dinner, craft and bake sale and a home tour.

Santa was spotted in Wellsville earlier Saturday at the high school, where he was getting his picture taken with children and listening to gift requests.

A craft sale, tree lighting ceremony and home tour also were part of Wellsville’s Christmas festivities.

Although the venues change for Santa, it’s gift requests that keep him on his toes.

Rhenn Beckley, 3, Wellsville, asked him for “safety scissors, Princess toys and to be be safe from wild animals.”

Santa said the requests are always unique and he’ll keep coming back.

“I come to Franklin County every year.”