Christmas festivities get underway at West Park Mall, Cape Girardeau Public Library

Santa Claus was stopped every few feet as he made his way through the mall Saturday toward the new Candy Court where children could have pictures taken with him.

He was walking from the Southeast Missouri Wellness Connection, where a Kids Bee Fit party was held for children ages 2 to 6.

Char Miller of Crump said it wasn't too early for Christmas activities. She was with her daughter, Loveta, 5, and Crystal Miller of Millersville, who was with her son, Camaron, 4. They said getting a picture taken with Santa was the perfect thing to start understanding the spirit of giving. The group was at the mall for window shopping.

"Coming a little before the rush of the season is nice," Char Miller said.

Readying the tree

While Santa was spending time with the children, the official Salvation Army Tree of Lights ceremony was held. Bell ringers began their work Monday and will continue until Dec. 24, with a goal of raising $269,300. Maj. Ben Stillwell said the organization had already raised $16,862.78, a little more than 6 percent of the goal. This year's theme, announced by KFVS12 news anchor Crystal Britt, is "Please don't forget to give."

Chaffee, Mo., mayor Loretta Mohorc shared her personal story of never passing a red kettle without donating while raising her three children, and now she continues the tradition while out shopping with her grandchild. She challenged those in attendance to dig a little deeper.

Kicking off the Christmas season at the mall, Britt flipped the switch that lit the more than 12-foot-tall pine Christmas tree near the mall entrance.

Visiting with Santa

At the Christmas party, children had the chance to hear stories and about 15 of them told Santa their Christmas wishes. Many asked for items such as dolls, firetrucks, skateboards, drum sets and the latest electronics. One child said he had enough toys.

Lindsey Church, regional marketing director at the mall, said it was the fifth year Bill Jenkins had been with them as Santa. "The kids love him. He even looks like Santa with a real, white beard."

Festivities continued once Santa began his work at Candy Court, where he will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Alma Schrader choir director Rebecca Gentry led the fourth-grade choir, dressed in red and green and wearing antlers and Santa hats, through the mall as they sang festive songs. A crowd followed them.

Library hosts events

While events were underway at the mall, a Christmas basket craft was held at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. About a dozen women fashioned small baskets for use as decorations, gift holders or ornaments out of old Christmas cards, scrap ribbon, tissue paper and holiday trim.

Led by Paula Fetherston, adult services coordinator, and Marilyn Hutchings, reference assistant, the group was encouraged to sign up for upcoming Christmas crafts. A program on aluminum garlands will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 1; an antique postcard ornament program will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 6. Participants can register in person, by phone at 334-5279 or online at www.capelibrary.org/calendar.aspx.

Julie Francis of Cape Girardeau attended the library Christmas craft program for the first time. She came across the program while on the library's website and decided to sign up. Francis said she was considering working on the baskets a little each night for people she would like to give a little something to. "They're also good as party favors or ornaments," she said.

Janet Burger of Cape Girardeau also attended for the first time. "It's fun and interesting," she said. Her plans included using the basket as an ornament for her tree.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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