FRACKVILLE - Sunday was an exciting time for local children.
Riding in a trolley with Mrs. Claus, Santa waved to youngsters and adults along the parade route, led by a long line of fire trucks.
Many popular cartoon characters were with the North Pole couple, including Scooby Doo, Frosty the Snowman, Spongebob Squarepants and others.
After the parade, the excitement moved to the hall at the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Center and Oak streets, where Santa and Mrs. Claus went on stage to listen to children's wish lists, distribute gifts and pose for photos. Elf Brittany Martin assisted Santa.
"Today was terrific. We had a wonderful response from the community," said Frackville Mayor Kim Phillips, who is the president of the Frackville Recreation Board, sponsor of the festivities.
Tony Kurdilla and Bill Zelonis provided live holiday music on saxophone and keyboards, respectively, as the cartoon characters roamed through the crowd, greeting children and celebrating the holidays.
Free light food and refreshments were available, including hot dogs, hot chocolate, milk and cookies.
Phillips said a successful event depends on the participation of many people and groups.
"The whole thing was possible because of the volunteers who put it together," she said.
"The civic groups, Good Will Hose Company, the Frackville Business and Professional Association, Boyer's Food Market, plus the others groups who helped to welcome Santa into town - the Frackville Police Department, the Altamont Fire Company, the Friendship Fire Company, the Frackville ambulance, all coming together for a great event for the children," Phillips added.
Through proceeds from the Christmas in July fundraiser, the board was able to provide "milk, cookies, hot chocolate, a sock monkey gift to all of the children who attended," she said.
Phillips also recognized the hard work of members of the recreation board in putting the event together.
Such community events, she said, last a long time.
"The holidays are made special when friends and family are able to gather together and make happy memories with each other, like today," Phillips said.