(La Porte, IN) - Santa Claus was given a warm welcome in downtown La Porte over the weekend, first appearing in the city's annual Santa Parade before addressing the crowd gathered at Plaza 618 at Lincolnway and Monroe Street for the tree lighting ceremony, as well as Christmas caroling and other festivities kicking off the holiday season.

 

His trademark “Ho, ho, ho” filled the chilly air to the cheers of many enthusiastic children.

 

“Thank you all for showing up. This is amazing. Beautiful,” he said.

 

Amid the buzz of the crowd, a child shouted “Let’s go Santa!"

 

Santa Claus, in a sleigh on a float, was the last of more than 30 units in the parade which also included Mayor Tom Dermody waving to the crowd on State Street on top of a fire truck.

 

“Who wouldn’t enjoy Santa coming to town?” he said.

 

After speaking briefly to the audience, Santa Claus took a seat inside his chalet to visit with children, standing with loved ones in a line stretching roughly 200 feet long.

 

Amy Wallisa of La Porte came with her nine-year-old daughter, Mikaela, and the girl’s father, Jose, to enjoy the festivities.

 

“It was wonderful. It brings the community together and it brings Christmas spirit. We need that right now. I think everybody does,” she said.

 

Her daughter presented a list of items she wanted for Christmas to Santa Claus.

 

“She’s been a very good girl. Hopefully, Santa is good to her,” she said.

 

Other units in the parade included a fresh-out-of-the-factory-looking 1948 Ford pick-up truck.

 

“I polish it and take really good care of it,” said Robert Alt, who borrowed the truck from his mother to drive in the parade. The La Porte area man said the dark green truck, with 164,000 miles on the odometer, is still very dependable.

 

“Love it. It starts every single time,” he said.

 

 Eden Riley, 12, also of La Porte walked the parade route with a 23-year-old miniature horse.

 

“She’s very sassy sometimes but everybody loves her. She’s good. She’s very good,” she said.

 

Among the other dignitaries in the parade was State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie, who was dressed as one of Santa’s elves.

 

“What a great turnout. Merry Christmas to everybody!” he said.

 

The conditions were almost perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, with temperatures close to freezing, very little wind, and plenty of sunshine.

 

“It’s crisp but it feels good,” said Amy Johnson, a member of Crossroads Christian Center which had a float in the parade.

 

La Porte Events Coordinator Brett Binversie said he was definitely pleased with the turnout and effort from volunteers in making the festivities possible.

 

“We’re very happy. We love our community. Happy to see everyone out having a wonderful time,” he said.