Ho, Ho, Home Again
Santa pays Buckeye Lake another early visit

LAKE AREA- For the seventh year in a row, Santa paid an early visit to Millersport as the guest of honor for the annual Millersport Christmas Parade Dec. 1, which attracted literally hundreds of visitors. Parade co-sponsor Jeff Watson thanked the local businesses, the Millersport police and firedepartments, Mayor Dean Severance, and Walnut Township for helping the parade to grow into a popular annual event. "This couldn't be possible without the support of our community," he said.

Watson thanked Faye Whitaker, owner of the Olde Canal Restaurant, for organizing the parade, and Sally Hempleman, owner of Precious Memories, who donated her time and photography skills. The Millersport Marching Lakers and the United Pentecostal Church carolers provided the parade's music, and Dr. Paul Whetstone brought Santa to town in style. And, of course, thanks to Santa and his elves for taking time from building all those toys to pay the community a visit, said Watson.

Since he was in the area, Santa swung by the Buckeye Lake Community Christmas Celebration at the North Shore state park, where he was treated to a performance by Dance Explosion and music from the Lakewood School Choir. Oh, and don't worry, he'll be back again Christmas Eve!

Photos by Charles Prince