As part of what has become an annual tradition, a special red-suited guest has made the Richland Carrousel Park his destination for an afternoon to take inventory of all good little boys and girls in Richland County. Children visited the Carrousel to visit Santa Claus and have their picture taken on Sunday.
From puppies to Play Stations, children issued their Christmas wishes to Santa, who also happily obliged with a picture.
Deeana Crider of Bellville said her three year old son, Gunner was very excited about the opportunity to see Santa. Gunner’s list included anything that has to do with Monsters Inc.
While the holiday visit to Mansfield places a twinkle in a young child’s eye, the event also serves a practical purpose of maintaining carrousel animals that bring smiles to those young faces the rest of the year.
According to Willie Hunn, Director of the Carrousel Gift Shoppe, the proceeds from picture fee goes towards upkeep and maintenance of the carrousel.
“Every year we try to do 2-3 animals, painting them, touching them up, refurbishing, what ever needs done,” said Hunn. This year, two chariots are in need of restoration and the project is estimated at a cost of approximately $4000.
Upcoming holiday programming at the Carrousel includes Black Friday Specials and Deals on November 29, and Bedtime Stories with Santa on December 3 and 4 – where children can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as Pastor Paul Lintern recites “T’was the Night Before Christmas.”
For more information on holiday events in downtown Mansfield and the Richland Carrousel Park call them directly at 419-522-4223 or see event listings at www.richlandsource.com/calendar.
