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Santa is awakened at Orange Park Mall to ring in Christmas season

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com
Posted 11/22/22

ORANGE PARK – Everyone was treated as a child last Saturday at the Orange Park Mall, as the mall and Clay County Salvation Army ushered in the Christmas season by serving hot chocolate, offering …

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Santa is awakened at Orange Park Mall to ring in Christmas season


Posted

ORANGE PARK – Everyone was treated as a child last Saturday at the Orange Park Mall, as the mall and Clay County Salvation Army ushered in the Christmas season by serving hot chocolate, offering pony rides, eating cookies, signing songs and, most importantly, waking up Santa Claus.

Hundreds, young and old and many still in their pajamas, filled the courtyard area near Dillard’s to listen to the Salvation Army band – all while a white-haired man, also in his pajamas, was sleeping in a chair behind the stage. Eventually, some of the children found him and started screaming “Wake up Santa!”

Although he woke up enough to stretch, Santa didn’t escape his slumber until everyone started singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” And once he was awake, he was mobbed by the children who were eager to get the season underway.

The event also included the start of the Red Kettle Bell and Angel Tree programs for the Salvation Army.

To volunteer as a bell ringer or to find an Angel Tree, call Kim at the Salvation Army at (904) 276-6677.