Santa Claus to make annual visit to Williams Rec Center Dec. 14

Kids can enjoy games, crafts and a visit with Santa Claus at the Williams Recreation Center's Santa's World of Wonders on Dec. 14.

The free event is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rec Center, 300 W. Railroad Ave.

Santa has been visiting the Rec Center since about 1999, said Director Rose Newbold.

"It's just something that's been provided by the city of Williams and the Recreation Center to facilitate a visit from Santa so our locals can take pictures and visit Santa here in town," Newbold said.

A professional photographer will be available to take pictures of kids sharing their Christmas lists with Santa. A 4x6 photo is $3 and a 5x7 is $6. Parents can also bring their own cameras.

First Baptist Church members also attend Santa's World of Wonders and hand out winter wear like gloves, hats, scarves and sometimes sweaters.

"We have a lot of needy families," Newbold said. "They hand that all out for free for everybody who needs them in town."

For the arts and crafts portion of the event, kids can make pinecone ornaments. The event will also include refreshments and games like Rudolph the Red Nosed Alligator, a Christmas tree wreath toss game and a beanbag toss.

"We make it so there's something for everybody," Newbold said. "We want it to be a real family affair."

Newbold hopes about 200-300 people attend Santa's World of Wonders.

"Come down and have some fun with the whole family," Newbold said. "We've worked hard to make a nice family event for you and hopefully you'll come and enjoy it with us."

Newbold added that the Rec Center and the skate park will be closed on Dec. 14 when the event ends.

More information is available at (928) 635-1496.