Parade, St. Nick part of 'Christmas in the Wilds'

Peyton Stiles (left) was one of dozens of children who came to visit Santa at the Emporium Firehall on Saturday. Cameron County Red Raider Marching Band members (from left) Joelle Wolfel, Tasha Garrigan, Sarah Keller and Kelsey Caton donned Santa hats for their performance in the parade held during Christmas in the Wilds activities.

There was a good turnout for last Saturday's "Christmas in the Wilds" held in downtown Emporium.

The event is sponsored by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to attract shoppers downtown and to kick-off the community's holidays.

Businesses, churches and civic organizations teamed with the Chamber of Commerce to make the inaugural event a success. They got an assist from the Cameron County High School Marching Band, which made spirited appearance in the parade, many of them dressed in holiday attire and some carrying large candy canes in lieu of batons.

Carolers from the Cameron County Christian Center joined the line of marchers.

Santa Claus came down from the North Pole to have breakfast with the children at the firehall, compliments of the EVFD Auxiliary. Afterwards, he made an appearance in the parade.

Sylvan Heritage Council and other groups had booths lining Fourth Street, offering warm drinks, cookies and other items.

Chamber of Commerce members held a drawing for three "Baskets of Emporium," containing items donated by Chamber affiliates and other supporters. Winners were Lawrence Ramsey, Shirley Housler and Mary Williams.

Chamber members said Christmas in the Wilds appears to be a keeper, and they hope to build on this year's success.