Santa Claus himself took a break from his busy holiday schedule to make an appearance in Atmore this week, and a crowd lined up for the chance to have their picture taken with the jolly old elf Thursday night at Heritage Park during the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s Evening with Santa.

Hursh Photography was on hand to take pictures as Santa visited with local children, and the ladies of the Poarch Creek Indian S.A.I.L center provided the crowd with free refreshments, including macaroni and cheese and hot chocolate.
Children also got a chance to ride their own “Polar Express” during Thursday’s night with Santa, as the Gulf Winds Express was transformed into a holiday ride for the kids.

Chamber director Sheryl Vickery the entire night was a great success.

“It went great,” Vickery said. “People were there at 3:30 to get in line. We were very pleased with the turnout.”
Vickery said the edition of the train ride was a great way to add some holiday cheer to the event.

“We added the train and it really worked out great,” Vickery said. “It ran the whole time and if it wasn’t completely full, it was at least half full. It was a great edition.”

Santa will make one last appearance in Atmore today as he takes part in Atmore’s annual Christmas parade.
Vickery said this year’s parade has had the best participation she has seen in Atmore.

“It’s going to be a very large parade,” she said. “We have 29 floats and almost 90 units. It’s the largest I’ve seen.”

The parade will get started this evening at 5:30 p.m. and will run from Atmore City Hall to Escambia County High School. Vickery said people along the parade route should be mindful that candy and other goodies will not be thrown from floats until the parade officially starts as it turn off Ridgeley Street onto Main Street.

The theme of this year’s parade will be “A Christmas Gift,” and it is sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union (Platinum),Walgreens (Gold), B&G Storage (Silver), Atmore Appliance, H&R Block, Lee Veterinary Clinic, McKinley’s Auto Service, Muskogee Technology, Pintoli’s Italian Cafe, Southern Gold Buyers (Partners of the Parade) and 2011 corporate partner, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel.