FRANKLIN
The record heat recorded on Saturday, Dec. 12, created no problem for a well-known visitor from the cold, snowy North Pole as he stopped by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few elves were greeted by many boys and girls while many of them were dressed in summer attire.

As the youth waited on the arrival of Santa, they were able to really capitalize on the warm day to enjoy playing outside at the King Center park on several inflatables that were supplied by 3 A’s Inflatables of Capron. They further were treated with popcorn and a sugar mix of candy.

Santa, upon arriving, entered the park and greeted the youth and their parents.

They then went inside the King Center to pose for a photo before being treated with milk and cookies that were provided by Cover 3.

Next the jolly old elf and Mrs. Claus heard the many request from the boys and girls on their wishes for gifts for Christmas. At the conclusion of their talk with Santa and being questioned about how good each child had been during year, Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for individual photos that they were able to take home with them. As an added treat, Santa allowed his elves to present a special toy to all youth visiting with him.

Staffs of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia and the Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation sponsored the Candy Crush, and did the complicated arrangements for this special visit at a very busy time of the year for Santa.