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Santa to make Roanoke his final county stop

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet children after their 2011 arrival in Roanoke. The couple is set to return to Roanoke on Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet children after their 2011 arrival in Roanoke. The couple is set to return to Roanoke on Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. TAB file photo.

Santa Claus will make his final Huntington County arrival this weekend, greeting children in Roanoke during Christmas in the Village on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8.

Santa will arrive in Roanoke aboard a fire truck, rolling down Main Street at 6 p.m. on Friday. He and Mrs. Claus will lead their fans to Zent Commons, at the corner of First and Main streets, and lead the crowd in singing Christmas carols before lighting the town Christmas trees.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will hear wishes in the Roanoke Town Hall, while visitors can cross the street to Moose and Mollie's to decorate gingerbread houses and have a cookie and hot chocolate. At the Roanoke Library, children can hear stories about St. Nick.

The Cornerstone Alliance Church, 5833 Lafayette Center Road, will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Homemade pancakes and sausage will be served for a free will donation.

Animals take center stage in downtown Roanoke on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Events include free photos with your pet, police canine demonstrations by the Huntington County Sheriff's Department, dog training presentations and an animal petting zoo.

Information will be available about animal adoption groups, dog-related services and helping animals in the wild.

Dog trainer Judy Archer Dick will present a dog sniffing demonstration. The Huntington County Humane Shelter will have kittens available for adoption. Free horse and carriage rides will be available, courtesy of Joseph Decuis.

Anyone who brings a donation for the animal shelter will receive a special treat. Suggested donations include cat or dog food, kitten or puppy chow, old clean towels, paper towels and cash.

Also on Saturday, visitors can participate in a cookie walk, roast marshmallows over a fire and check out a wine tasting event.

Downtown merchants will have extended hours and special promotions. Several local churches are also participating.