BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — Santa Claus is making an early stop in Warfield this year, and he’s bringing Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers and lots of holiday cheer.

The City of Warfield’s annual “Visit With Santa” will sparkle with a few exciting changes: a new date, new location, and a new partnership between the city and the Warfield Park Board. The fun kicks off Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. at Warfield Park.

For the first time ever, the city and the Warfield Park Community Center Board are teaming up to create an evening full of magic, music and Christmas spirit. After children visit with Santa and receive gifts, Mrs. Claus will treat them to a festive snack that includes a hot dog, cupcake, chips, soda and Christmas cookies.

“We’re trying to make the Visit With Santa more special than just handing them a gift and letting them go,” said park community center board member Kathleen Price. “We’re starting to decorate and hope to have some nice decorations there in the park.”

To help make the celebration extra merry, the city is once again collecting donations of new toys, coloring books, crayons and other children’s gifts. Items can be dropped off at Warfield City Hall Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. For after-hours arrangements, call City Clerk Rhonda Price at 606-395-6423.

Monetary donations are also welcome through PayPal at cityofwarfield@gmail.com.

Rhonda Price said she is looking forward to a bigger event with more room for everyone to enjoy. And she plans to make the most of Black Friday toy sales to stretch those Christmas dollars.

Get ready, Warfield. Santa’s sleigh is heading your way.