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Chester County Press

Rainy weather doesn't deter Santa in Penn

12/16/2014 02:13PM ● By J. Chambless

There's no better way to warm up than with hot cocoa.

Eight-year-old Gabriella poses for her mom to snap a picture.

 

By Nancy Johnson

Correspondent

Facing a bleak weather forecast, Penn Township officials modified their annual Holiday in the Park event, on Dec. 6 to accommodate most of the activities inside the warm and comfortable community room in the township building.

"We had to cancel the train ride and we moved Santa into the community room instead of out in his little hut. That way the kids in line aren’t out in the rain," explained Karen Versuk, the township’s public relations officer.

Jewels, the face-painting elf, agreed with the decision. As she swiftly painted a little boy’s cheek she said, "I miss the hut, but this is much better due to the rain. The kids don’t seem to mind at all."

The rainy weather didn't stop Jungle John, a local favorite, from performing two sessions of his Winter Wonderland Show. The very attentive audience laughed at the comic’s antics and marveled at his magic tricks.

Throughout the evening, Santa met with children individually, making mental notes of each one’s Christmas wish. Most, like 6-year-old Sierra of Landenberg, asked Santa for a special toy or game. "What I really want is the Cinderella Palace Pet, ‘Pumpkin,'" she said. "That’s a dog. Be sure you get the dog one."

But one young lady surprised both her mother and the big man in red when she asked for a unicorn.

Unfortunately, because of the rain, families couldn't wander along the park’s walking path and view all the trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. However, the trees will remain decorated all month, so everyone will have a chance to see them and vote for their favorites.