Santa draws a crowd at Sprucedale Public School

Bennett Plumb and his mom, Heather, are greeted by Santa inside the Sprucedale gym after the parade. Dad Kyle captured the moment while grandparents Gary and Angie Plumb of Shakespeare looked on. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Sprucedale Public School was the place to be on Saturday afternoon as families streamed in following Shakespeare’s annual Santa Claus parade.

Inside the gymnasium, Santa settled into his big, comfy chair and welcomed a steady line of excited children eager to share their Christmas wishes.

Parents and grandparents snapped photos as each child climbed onto Santa’s knee for a quick visit and a treat. The atmosphere was festive and warm – a perfect continuation of the holiday spirit that filled the village earlier in the day.

After meeting Santa, youngsters were invited to take part in Christmas crafts set up around the gym, adding another layer of fun to a much-anticipated community tradition.