Kaitlin Silbaugh, Nederland. Over 50 kids came to visit Santa in Nederland on Saturday December 12, 2020, at Citywide Banks. Santa greeted kids and their families at the bank drive thru window. Santa even used the bank microphone to spread cheer to the Ace Hardware customers. 

There were lots of honks and waves from cars passing by who were excited about Santa, or maybe more excited to go skiing.  

We had a handful of unsuspecting folks try to stop by and do bank business but were pleasantly surprised to get a greeting and goodie bag from Santa. No, Santa did not hand out any cash.  

A group of amazing people made this all happen and spread Holiday joy in Nederland. Ned, Molly, Penelope and Jolie Turner were our Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves. Sarah Stillman was the head elf checking in cars as they turned into the parking lot. Carrie Jo Lake and Denise Clasby opened the bank and sanitized when we were done. Kathleen Henningsen was our wonderful sign spinner to attract people driving by. Nederland Police Officer Erich Gerthe and Colorado Ranger Roger Plank were there to help with traffic issues if any arose. Janet Winchester-Silbaugh designed costumes and made signs. Kaitlin Silbaugh organized the event.

A special thanks goes to Nicki Dunn and Miranda Fisher at Town Hall for all their support. Karla Johnson-Grimes at The Carousel of Happiness provided tickets for every kid that Santa saw. Tungsten Toffee provided the toffee that was in the goodie bags. Ace Hardware wholeheartedly offered their support even when there was potential of disrupting their traffic flow. Margaret Freeman, who is on the Holiday Mountain Market Committee, promoted the event on Facebook and among other groups. 

It was a thrill to bring some Holiday cheer to Nederland and especially to the kids. 

(Originally published in the December 17, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)