A Recap of Santa's Visit to Ridgeland

Dec 21, 2024

Jolly Old St. Nick stopped by on Dec. 7

Two adults dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus stand facing the camera. Their shoulders are touching. Santa is holding a baby girl, who is wearing a red top and red and white striped leggings. — Santa and Mrs. Claus with little Lydia Dahlberg in Ridgeland. Photo by Elf Myles Buck

Ridgeland Community Center Filled with Anticipation, and a Little Snow

By Betty Glaser

Ridgeland Civic Club members always look forward to meeting Santa. I’m not sure if it is because deep down inside, we, too, still believe in Santa.

Every year we try to add a new feature or twist to welcoming Santa and create a memory for everyone to remember. We added oranges last year and members asked to add them this year, too, as when they were young, they received oranges and peanuts from Santa. There were no requests for the hard, sticky, popcorn balls!

This year we added snow! Yes, we had it snowing inside the Ridgeland Community Center — and no new shingles or roof were needed. Elf Bill oversaw the snowmaking and many of the children were in awe, with tongues out, arms stretched to the ceiling trying to catch the snowflakes. What a great feature!

We added rubber ball-type ornaments this year. Little Rudy showed off his muscles and carried them here and there, sometimes two at a time. We took advantage of the beautiful decorating by Elf Wendy Link, and we had a special corner set up for pictures, which a lot of families took advantage of. All we needed was a fireplace... Now that might be a nice addition for next Christmas.

Ridgeland Royalty Nora Briggs (left) and Anastasia Nedland (right) handed out ornaments. Photo submitted by Betty Glaser

This year, our very own Ridgeland Royalty Nora Briggs and Anastasia Nedland joined in on the festivities and handed out ornaments to the children. Our youngest attendee, we believe, was 2 ½ months old and our oldest was 90+ years young. We had approximately 60 children join in on the activities.

Santa arrived in Ridgeland with Mrs. Claus and Fireman Todd Miller. Photo submitted by Betty Glaser

We want to thank Fireman/Elf Todd Miller for picking up Santa and bringing him to the Community Center. Now, I overheard some of the children who were waiting outside for Santa, telling me that they thought the Fireman was lost, as he was driving up and down the streets and going in circles.

I did my best to tell them, "I’m sure the fireman has been to the Community Center before," but they were a little concerned. They were all filled with anticipation, jumping up and down every time Santa made the corner in downtown Ridgeland. Then they would ask me, "Now where is he going?"

The Ridgeland Civic Club elves are already busy planning for next year. Santa enjoyed all the hugs and high-fives from the children — and parents too!

On behalf of the Civic Club, we want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.