Dodge Center welcomes Santa

Although it’s only the first week of December, Santa has been busier than the candidates who ran for office this past year. There was a Santa sighting at the Dodge Center City Hall Saturday. He came checking some sort of list that he had with him. A list concerning “naughty and nice,” and he happily reported that all the kids who visited him Saturday were on the “nice” list.

Beth Hanggi from the Dodge County Chamber of Commerce was busy as well, organizing the horse-drawn wagon rides for the families who came to visit Santa. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce who sponsored the event, the Salvation Army was also present and spreading hope and cheer for all who attended. 

Reindeer were scheduled to appear with Santa, but due to the lack of snow, it would have been too rough on their hooves and so they remained resting and eating Christmas hay-cookies at the North Pole in preparation for their big night. 

Main Street in Dodge Center was decked out in gleeful holiday attire with shops boasting ornaments and festive lights. Hanggi said that she expected a steady stream of families all day and at Santa’s arrival at noon, there were kids lined up to share their secret wishes for what they wanted for Christmas.

Nadine Langworthy also in the Christmas spirit with a very festive looking shop could be seen bursting out of The Anadine with a Christmas apron as Santa approached. “Merry Christmas Santa,” she exclaimed, “we love you.”

And there he was. As big as life. Decked in his traveling suit and riding in the back of