Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at the Wenona Park Friendship Bandshell in Downtown Bay City on Friday night to kick off the holiday season.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie Munger-McCallum)

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"We've Been Good" . . . Kids Tell Santa at Downtown Bay City's Wenonah Park

Annual Santa Visit Kicks Off Holiday Season in Downtown Bay City

November 29, 2008
By: O. J. Cunningham

Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner welcomed the crowd to Downtown Bay City as children and families gathered for the arrival of Santa.

Master(s) of ceremony, Eric Jyhla & Bob Hughes entertained the crowd with jokes and stories about Christmas.

Performances were given by: Miss Bay County, Ashley LaForest; Outstanding Teen, Shelby Avery; Junior Miss Bay County, Carly Peil; Little Miss Bay County, Kayleigh Carter and Princess, Madison Seliskar. Ashley LaForest performs "Where Are You at Christmas Time". Shelby Avery performs "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire". Carly Peil sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

But it was Santa that everyone wanted to see . . . and right on schedule, Santa arrived by sleigh at just about 7:30pm to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Bay City.

Santa & Mrs Clause Entertain the youngsters at the Bandshell before heading over to the Delta Planetarium for more holiday fun.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)

The Lighting of the Christmas Tree was part of the ceremony during Santa's arrival at Wenonah Park.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)

Kunio Ouellette of Music Express, the Hughes Elementary School 5th Grade Choir, Eric Jyhla & WHNN's Bob Hughes all wait backstage at the Bandshell.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)

Kunio Ouellette of Music Express, the Hughes Elementary School 5th Grade Choir perform for the crowd of children as they wait for Santa's arrival.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)



(TWO PICTURES - ABOVE) Julie Munger-McCallum of TriCityBuzz.tv was on hand to interview the anxious youngsters as they waited for Santa. "Oh yes, we've been very very good," was the answer most often heard.
(MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)

"He's here . . . He's Here!" The children cheered loud and long as Santa arrived at the Wenonah Park Friendship Shell in Downtown Bay City on Friday night.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)

Waiting is the hardest part. Kids watched the sky and listened for the sleigh bells -- Santa Did Not Disappoint.
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)