St. Robert Mayor George Sanders pictured with his wife Faye. Photo by Sherri Pierce

Ray Carson and his band filled the center with wonderful sounds of Christmas music. At one point the St. Robert City Administrator Norman Herren, joined the band to sing a beautiful version of White Christmas.

There were many beautiful booths set up, some of them filling the air with scents of the season. The center looked beautiful with all the Christmas decorations glistening. A place was set up for Santa to come and sit on the stage; his chair was placed next to a mantle adorned with ornaments and a beautiful Christmas tree.

When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived, there was a long line of children waiting to sit on his lap, get their picture taken, and to tell him their Christmas wish list. While Santa visited with all the children, Mrs. Claus made her way around the room letting doting mothers take pictures of her with their children.

The photos taken with Santa were provided by the City of St. Robert. The photographer was Pam Cox. Don Copland and Kimberly Fincher assisted her by operating the photo printing equipment and assisting with the children.

St. Robert Mayor George Sanders explained that this was approximately the fifth year for this event. “I think this is a great event,” Sanders said. “It is bigger this year than years before. I hope that it continues to grow in the years ahead.”

Sanders explained how the St. Robert Rotary Club and the city government organized the event by working to raise donations from local restaurants in order to make this day special for the kids.

“As time goes by it will get bigger and better. This year there is more sponsors, volunteers, and booths,” Sanders said, also stating his high regard for the local restaurants that made donations.

“The food donated by different restaurants of the city is great. It shows that they care enough about the community and its children to help in this way,” Sanders said.

Sanders shared his thoughts on how children activities like this are important. There are more to come in the future; Sanders said he is working on more activities as well as gaining more support for children’s activities within the community.

Sanders explained how many community employees, administration, fire fighters, and police assisted with this event.

“Don’t give up, we are still working for you,” Sanders said.

Restaurants making donations to feed those attending included Miller’s Grill, Peppers, Southern Spice, Aussie Jacks, and Chopstix, offering several kinds of soups, hotdogs, and soda. Families enjoyed sitting and eating while listening to those wonderful sounds of Christmas provided by Ray Carson throughout. The event came to a close with Michelle Long joining the band to sing Patsy Cline’s "Crazy," and another beautiful song, "The Sweetest Thing I’ve Ever Known."

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Click to watch video of City Administrator Norman Herren singing "White Christmas" 
Click for St. Robert Christmas in the Park pictures 
Local Opinion