By Brooke Curley
brooke@gilavalleycentral.net
THATCHER – Santa is a busy old elf, but he took time out to spread joy to those who visited him at the Thatcher Park on Friday.
In addition to Santa, there were several shopping opportunities with multiple vendors selling everything from beauty products to homemade pajamas. Thatcher school employee Socorro Varela manned a colorful homemade popsicle stand at the park. The most popular popsicles were cotton candy flavor with sprinkles on one side.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Socorro Varela stands beside her candy tree. She would have to restock it multiple times.
“This is the third year I’ve been here,” Varela said. “Last year we got rained out. “This year it’s nice; nice weather and everything.”
Varela told Gila Valley Central that the best aspect of Santa in the park is that she can visit with the children and watch them as they have fun visiting with Santa.
This year’s Santa in the park included a bouncy castle, popcorn and, of course, the jolly old elf himself. The Thatcher Fire Department also made an appearance, handing out treats for the kids and hoisting a large American Flag above the festivities while keeping it illuminated by large floodlights.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Multiple fictional individuals visited the park, entertaining the children and posing for photos.
