Locals welcome Santa to downtown

SANDUSKY — Many festively bundled people welcomed Santa to downtown Friday night, and he certainly arrived in style. Hundreds gathered in Washington Park in downtown to commence the holiday season, munching on funnel cakes and bracing the cold with hot cider. The event, hosted by Sandusky Community Celebrations, featured several seasonally themed treats. Many people jingled along with the Sandusky High School band, whose members all donned red Santa hats. The band played a medley of Christmas favorites as a Sandusky fire truck ushered in Santa Claus, who arrived in a classic red convertible. Kids were lined up down the block to deliver their wish lists to Santa in the Cookie House. Courtney and Brian brought Briella and Connor; Courtney grew up in Sandusky and went every year as a kid. "We came every year," Courtney said. "It's family tradition." The kids are excited to continue the custom, especially Connor, whose favorite part of the night was the lights. The Salvation Army passed out cookies and cider and almost everyone had a light up tree in their hand — many of whom dressed as elves. The Follett House Museum and The Carousel Museum were open free to the public and lavishly decorated. The line for the $1 carousel rides was almost as long as the line to see the man in the red coat. "The Carousel Museum is the best part," Patty Kromer said. Patty and her husband, Doug, both grew up in the area but Friday night was their first time at the celebration. "It seemed there was more advertising," Patty said. "I knew about it a lot more this year." Patty and Doug's son, Unkle Bry, brought his family from Michigan to enjoy some hometown festivities.