Santa & Mrs. Claus bring North Pole winter wonderland to Fort Hall
Fort Hall youth greet Santa & Mrs. Claus at their North Pole winter wonderland at Timbee Hall on Saturday, December 13; the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer animated film-themed backdrop setting was provided by Gawi Events.
By JEREMY SHAY
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted Fort Hall youth and families at their annual Christmas visit to the community at Timbee Hall on Saturday, December 13.
The day began with a morning visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout Fort Hall with help from Fort Hall Fire & EMS staff on their fire engine.
Youth receive gifts provided by the Soup for Tots toy drive collected throughout the year.
At noon, local youth and families lined up at Timbee Hall for a North Pole winter wonderland visit, and a photo opportunity. Coloring sheets and wish lists were available for youth to complete and drop off for Santa.
Continuing the evening events of the light parade, movie screening and hot chocolate on December 12, Fort Hall Recreation had the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer animated film playing for attendees while they waited in line for Santa.
A FHPD officer hands out a Christmas stocking to youth.
Fort Hall Recreation manager Juan Rodriguez said he looks forward to the annual event and it is one of his favorites to host. “We’ve added the Christmas movie and hot chocolate after the parade of lights for the youth, and it’s getting bigger and better each year,” he said.
Youth drop off their letters to Santa Claus.
Fort Hall Police Department officers and staff assisted in handing out Christmas stockings filled with treats and candy, including fruit to participants. A coat, glove and scarf drive was also available for youth.
At the end of the walkthrough, toys were available for pickup as part of the Soup for Tots charity initiative collected throughout the year.
Participants walk through the winter wonderland scenery.
This year’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer North Pole scenery and photo backdrop was created by local business Gawi Events owned by Leandra Thorpe. Decorations included a walkway decorated with characters from the animated film to set the scene. Thorpe said her business is named to represent community gatherings after seeing a need for event planning in Fort Hall. “After working in banquets for about nine years, I just grew to love decorations, and it’s something I felt like we could use on the reservation,” she said. “It highlights and elevates their memories.”
A youth participant sits with Santa.
Gawi Events had previously collaborated with Fort Hall Recreation for their Halloween event earlier this year in October, creating decorations and scenery. Follow on Facebook at: Official gawi Events.
