Penticton posted Nov 24, 2018 @ 03:37pm by Gord Goble

Santa spreads cheer at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre

For a guy who by all accounts is approximately 1,750 years old, Santa really gets around.

Even on a Saturday he's out there doing what Santa's always done. Today, accompanied by elves and assorted helpers and a whole whack of Christmas decorations and presents, he showed up at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

And judging by the kids (and adults) who flocked to see him in person, his arrival didn't come a moment too soon.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

One by one, and often accompanied by their siblings and parents, they came to say hello to old St. Nick, tell him they've been nice rather than naughty, and walk away with photos to prove it all happened.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

Some were so overcome that they were brought to tears. But even then they'd walk away smiling, because Santa clearly had the power to turn those frowns upside down.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

And chatting up Mr. Claus was just one of a bunch of activities in the mall today. Kids were painting, they were drawing, and, with the aid of local children's event service Par-T-Perfect, they made super cool creations called sand art.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

It was a big day, but next Saturday may arguably be even bigger. That's when Santa struts his stuff once more in yet another event that bears his name, the 21st Annual Santa Claus Parade.