Published: December 15, 2008 10:29 am      

Winter wonderland draws large crowd

Local residents enjoy Dykeman Park activities

During a chilly hayride, Krista Wilburn leaned over and asked her 7-year-old son, Parker, what he was going to ask Santa for Christmas, but Parker wasn’t quite ready to share his secret.

His eyes grew wide as he enjoyed the ride with his mom and dad and his three-year-old brother Collin. Later, after talking to Santa Claus, Parker hesitantly shared his secret.

“I asked for Star Wars Clones and monster trucks,” he said.

As for Collin, he had help from his older brother in telling Santa his gift wish of Thomas the Tank Engine railroad cars and accessories.

The Wilburn family was one of many that turned out for North Pole Wonderland sponsored by the Logansport Parks and Recreation Department and Reading Railroad.

Krista said she was grateful the parks department held the event.

“I think Logansport doesn’t have a lot going on like in the bigger cities,” she said. “It’s nice to have family events.”

Children attending the two-hour event had an opportunity to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make a Christmas ornament and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Reading Railroad coordinator Patty Brown was also on hand to read stories and hand out free books.

Parks administrator Jan Fawley noted that the department held its first winter wonderland event two years ago. Last year’s event was canceled because of cold weather and icy roads.

“The first year we had moderate success,” Fawley said. “We’ve been very successful today.”

Fawley credited better promotion of the event for Sunday’s larger turnout.

“It’s a low cost event,” she added. “That makes a difference, too.”

Vicki Ward, activities director for the parks department, said the turnout was more than expected.

“It’s cold, but not horrible,” she said. “People are in a festive mood.”

Craig Pawlowski decided to take his four children, 10-year-old Emily, 6-year-old Rebecca, 4-year-old Sarah and 2-year-old Alexander. Family members said they were looking forward to the hayride, as well as a visit to Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus.

“I haven’t heard about a lot of Santa events this year,” Pawolwski said. “It will be nice to have pictures taken with Santa.”

Kathy Scott, administrative assistant for the parks department, volunteered her time to help out. She said she enjoyed spending time at the park and enjoyed one part the most.

“It’s just seeing the kids and their reactions to Santa,” she said. “I enjoy doing it for the kids.”

Scott’s husband, John, also helped out at the event by taking pictures of the children with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

Carolyn Holcomb, who also works with the parks department with ideas for events, said she enjoyed the Christmas activities this year.

“I love to work with the kids,” she said. “I like to see their expressions.”

John and Nancy Gerrard have been playing the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus in their own front yard for 22 years. They are known as the Mr. and Mrs. Claus of Chase Road.

“We have had a lot of nice boys and girls,” said John. “It’s a joy to talk to them all.”

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com