Santa will be there to help out
By Walt Mares
CLIFTON – It has been a couple of years since it last happened but on Christmas Eve the American Legion Post 28 in Clifton is reviving it. The Legion has convinced Santa Claus to help with giving candy to children.
The event begins around 5 p.m. at Al Fernandez Park in Eastside Clifton. There will be a definite difference from past years when children and their parents lined up to see Santa Claus as he sat beneath the big Christmas tree at the park. This time, bags of candy will be handed out in a drive-through format on Park Avenue where the park is located.
That is due to the ongoing deadly COVID-19 pandemic and avoiding close contact between people.
“It should still be a lot of fun,” said Legionnaire Larry Avila. “There will still be a lot of Christmas spirit. Doing it as carefully as we can we don’t foresee any problems. But one of the kids’ favorite parts of the annual Christmas experience will not be happening. They won’t be able to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.”
“Hopefully, by this time next year they can speak with Santa again up close and personal,” Avila said.
He said he remembers when his children were small and how much they looked forward to meeting and talking with Santa.
Avila said the entire public is invited to attend. “It will be nice if we have so many kids show up we may even run out of candy.”
