December 10, 2015 -- Santa Claus made a stop a Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany during the tree lighting ceremony held Dec. 8. He stopped by to visit with children and to confirm he remembered their most wanted gifts.
Not making a request, Shari Carroll, wife of Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany approached Santa to ensure he was aware of her behavior.
“I was good this year,” Carroll proclaimed as she approached Santa. “Don’t listen to what anyone else says.”
While Carroll wanted to convince Santa she behaved all year, others took the opportunity to remind him of their Christmas wishes.
“I want a bouncy house,” one small child said.
Another advised her greatest desire was ice cream. The requests were as varied as the reactions when children approached Santa. Some ran in excitement into his arms, others carefully approached, unsure if they wanted to meet him, while some opted out completely.
For those unsure of meeting the jolly old man, there was an array of other activities during the ceremony. Cookie-decorating and picture-coloring stations allowed children to show their creativity. Elves and a giant gingerbread man mingled with children and adults. There was also live entertainment throughout the evening.
Pink Slipper Little Dancers performed dance routines, Westover High School Band played and Worth County Primary Chorus sang during the event.
The clamor of activity came to a brief pause for a countdown to light the Christmas tree. When the lights came on, a snowman began to blow snow into the air and the crowd applauded and cheered.
“It is great to see so many people (come) and (enjoy) the event,” Latreesa Perryman, school liaison, MCLB Albany, said. “This was an opportunity to give back during the holiday season to our military families.”