Santa Claus is coming to town...

Sparta — The Township’s annual “Visit with Santa” will be this Sunday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. under the pavilion at Station Park. Santa Claus, himself, will once again make his appearance in Sparta with sponsorship provided by Duffy Brennan of Weichert Realtors. Sources at the North Pole told the Independent that Santa has actually been reducing the number of his pre-Christmas Eve appearances over the last few years, due to his advancing age and the rising cost of reindeer feed. This has caused him to increase the number of official Santa stand-ins he deploys to cover these appearances. However, one elf, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Independent that Santa actually has a very special fondness for Sparta and wants to make the trip here himself. Santa has been heard to comment that Sparta’s children are especially good and are always very generous to those less fortunate during the holidays. For this reason, and also because Santa is reported to have relatives in Sparta (on his mother’s side, twice removed), he always makes the time to visit Station Park for the town’s annual kick-off to the holiday season. Children (of all ages) are invited to visit with Santa at the pavilion and tell him their wish-list for the holidays. Lap-sitting is always encouraged, but not required. Children can also have a picture taken with jolly old St. Nick and they will also receive a free gift. For children who want to reinforce their wish-list in writing, local Boys Scouts will be on hand to help them write letters to Santa to make sure he doesn’t forget what they told him. The Boys Scouts will also lead children in a variety of games and activities to make sure there is something for everyone and to guarantee a fun afternoon for all. The award-winning Sparta High School band will provide musical entertainment and plenty of hot chocolate and popcorn will be served. Sparta police, fire, and ambulance squad personnel will also be on hand to let children explore a real police car, fire truck, and ambulance truck. For the second year, Councilman Gil Gibbs has been instrumental in organizing the Visit with Santa event through the Township Recreation Committee.