ORLEANS – It’s official, the North Pole has confirmed that Santa Claus will be arriving in Orleans on Saturday, December 10 to visit with children during the Annual Christmas on the Square event.
This family fun holiday event is sponsored by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Orleans, Visit French Lick/West Baden, and Duke Energy.
Families are encouraged to stop in the Orleans Library Saturday morning for gingerbread man take and make ornament kits and books during operating hours from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Families will have the chance to meet and visit Santa Claus. Santa is scheduled to arrive downtown via the town’s restored 1926 Peter Pirsch Firetruck around 5:00 p.m. at the historic decorated picturesque bandstand and the Official town Christmas tree. Members of the Orleans Municipal Fire and Police Department will also be on hand to assist with Santa’s annual visit. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and take photos as children share their Christmas wishes.
The ever-popular Children’s Christmas Funtime Express (train ride) returns and will provide free rides around the decorated historic Congress Square.
A live nativity with animals telling the traditional Christmas Story, sponsored by the Orleans United Methodist Church will be set up on the west side of the square.
Both the Orleans Jr.-Sr. High School Choir and Band are scheduled to perform. There will also be carolers from area churches singing Christmas favorites.
Horse Drawn Carriage rides, weather permitting, will leave from the Chamber Welcome Center, located on the north side of the square.
Free “Postcards to Santa” will be available for pick up from the Orleans Chamber’s Visitor’s Center, located on the north side of the square. “Santa’s Mailbox” is located in front of the Chamber office for the children to “mail” their cards to the North Pole.
Orleans Tri-Kappa will be selling warm soup, hot chocolate, homemade goodies, and pecan nuts.
The Orleans Junior Class will be offering up hot chocolate and cookies.
The two downtown eateries and some shop owners around the town square are also expected to be open during the event.
Be sure to make your way out to enjoy the spirit of the holiday season.
For more event information visit www.historicorleans.com.
