By By Adrienne McKenzie
Santa Clause and many of his hard-working elves made a special trip from the North Pole Thursday to spend an evening with the Atmore area children, listening to their every Christmas wish and posing for a photo with them.
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce's Evening With Santa at Heritage Park was Thursday and the event proved to be a hit.
"An Evening With Santa at Heritage Park, sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union was a tremendous success," Chamber executive director Emilie Mims said. "At 4 p.m. we had a large line of parents with children there to have pictures taken. Santa arrived at 5 p.m. courtesy of the Atmore Fire Department with a bevy of elves whose playful attitudes kept everyone smiling."
Mims said the cool breeze at the event was a nice touch.
"The weather was perfect, cool enough to put people in the Christmas mood," she said. "Hot chocolate and the incredible chili prepared by the Poarch Creek Indian SAIL Center were a big hit."
Mims was appreciative to many individuals for the success of the Evening With Santa.
"Our thanks to the City of Atmore who sent Brian and Billy to help decorate the Heritage Park Christmas tree," she said. "Also, Walgreen's who assisted the Chamber in locating really big ornaments for the tree."
Mims also was thankful for the YMCA, Custom Signs, Advance Printing and Pepsi. Lee Ann Allen and Lisa Reynolds were also key individuals for chairing the event. Julie Fountain also volunteered her time.
"And last, but certainly not least, our thanks to Santa, Peacock Photography and Shelly Williams whose enthusiasm and patience made the event memorable," Mims said.