4 days Ago By By JINIFER RAE [email protected]
The cold weather could not diminish the warm community spirit felt during the Barks and Bubbles celebration of Santa Day last Saturday. Although the day turned out colder than expected, the fundraiser experienced a record number of guests and over $600 being raised for a local animal shelter. “It been a great turnout, we had people waiting before we even opened the gate,” said Nina Richards-Lane owner.
The annual event has become a beloved tradition for many in the community for folks to get a photo with Santa that includes the family pets. “I love this,” said Cheyanne Erickson. “This is so great for families.
” This year, guests could experience Christmas in true mountain style by having a photo with Santa on a side-by-side donated for the day’s event from Doe Mountain Recreation Center. “This is her first time in Santa’s lap; she didn’t know what to think,” said Amber Hutchinson. Hutchinson brought her six-month-old daughter Elena to have a picture taken with Santa.
Little Elena wasn’t the only one in attendance who had never met Ole Saint Nick before the day’s event. Another visitor, a very large dog named Thor, was meeting Father Christmas for the first time. “I am so excited, this is Thor’s first photo with Santa,” said Sandra Moody.
A professional photographer, Jessica Lefevre, was on hand to capture the moment. In addition to snapping a picture with Santa, visitors were delighted to see additional festivities included in this year’s Santa Day. A special booth was set up by Happy Hounds Runnin’, inviting children of all ages to choose a cat or dog ornament and decorate to take home.
“This gives kids something to do. I’ve had a great time,” said Chris Carle, owner. While the children loved decorating the ornaments, perhaps even more popular was the Carle family dog, Xena.
Dressed in a pretty sweater with a red bow, Xena was the center of attention for all the children (and adults) visiting the booth. For the four-legged friends, the local business had plenty of pet-tested and approved veggie treats and dog cookies on hand. “My dog loves them,” said Cameron Eberhard.
Just across the yard, visitors were invited to show off their artistic side by coloring an art page created just for the day’s event by 2CraftyMakers. For those with a sweet tooth, Tinks Treats was on hand with all manner of delicious goodies, including hot cocoa and cookies. Although the day was designed as a fundraiser for animals, this year, Barks and Bubbles wanted to help the children of Johnson County affected by the storm by providing more than just a fun event.
In an effort to help spread some holiday cheer, organizers have spent months collecting and wrapping gifts so that each child who visited Santa would not walk away empty-handed. The gifts were much appreciated by residents who lost so much when Helene devastated much of Johnson County. One family who wished to remain anonymous expressed appreciation for the day’s event after describing how much the storm affected them personally: “These are the only gifts our children will have under the tree this year.
” The day was designed for such like ones. “Everybody have been hit so hard,” said Richards-Lane. To help ease some of the loss from the storm, warm clothing, including jackets, socks, gloves, and hats, were also available.
The day was considered a huge success, and plans are already underway for next year’s fundraiser. Although this year’s event is over, thanks to the community spirit and hard work of everyone involved, Santa Day will continue to be the gift that keeps giving. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today.
