Santa & Mrs. Claus bring Christmas cheer to Fort Hall community
Mr. & Mrs. Claus ride around Townsite on Saturday morning as kids come out to see them on December 16.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Santa & Mrs. Claus helped bring Christmas cheer to the community over the weekend by taking part in two of its annual events.
The first was Fort Hall Recreation and Fort Hall Police Department’s annual Parade of Lights on Friday, December 15. It was the third year of the Fort Hall Parade of Lights and each year its grown.
Former Recreation staff, Eddy Kniffin and Mike Sakelaris, started the event and the tradition continues.
Santa and Mrs. Claus take photos with community at Timbee Hall.
The route began at Timbee Hall, down Hiline Road, east on Ross Fork Road, across Mission Road and back down Agency Road to come back to Timbee Hall.
Recreation’s, Bob Johnson, said he counted 12 float entries, which included tribal departments, family entries and even outside community participants, such as the Bingham County Police Department.
Volunteers hand out oranges to the community.
“It’s been a pretty good success so far, and it’s probably something we’re going to continue doing for years to come,” said Johnson. “Everybody likes the noise of the music and the laughter and everything. So it’s pretty good – It’s just a good time for our tribe and our community here.”
One of the floats was decorated by the Fort Hall Veteran’s Association.
Veteran float in the Fort Hall Light Parade on December 15.
Develynn Hall, Commanding Officer for the FHVA and Miss Shoshone-Bannock, said they decorated veteran, Phillip Baldwin’s, truck to represent them. They threw out hoodies and beanies to the crowd. It was her first time being involved with the parade and she was very happy to attend.
Youth make Christmas cards for elders.
Sheldon Moss, public relations coordinator for the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, said they had several departments participate in the event, however, the Marketing Department chose to showcase the New Year’s Eve party theme, which will be “Back to the 80s.”
The Language & Culture Preservation Department worked on their float throughout most of the day.
Anna Bowers, Cultural Resources Technician, said Larry Teton lent them the trailer and the truck. Their theme was Santa’s Helper’s, which included a variety of painted and lighted animals surrounding Santa’s sleigh. Bowers said each of their staff donated lights, their time and candy.
Santa and Mrs. Claus returned on Saturday morning, December 16 to greet the community as they rode throughout their neighborhoods.
They were escorted by the Fort Hall Police Department, Fort Hall Fire Department and their sleigh of Santa’s volunteers who handed out oranges and candy canes.
Stephan and Hannah Kniffin ride on the Language & Culture Preservation Department float.
At noon, Timbee Hall was open for everyone to come visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The gymnasium was decorated for the occasion by volunteers.
Santa said this was a way for them to give back to the community.
Mrs. Claus said for her this is what the Christmas spirit is.
“Just being able to see the kids face light up when they see Santa. It is a unique opportunity and I’m so blessed to participate every year,” she said.
FHPD handed out 600 stockings filled with donated items from different departments, like candy, peanuts, oranges, toothbrush, tooth paste, small toys and a handheld gaming device that was donated by the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel.
Other activities included, the Pocatello School District Parent Committee giving out free books to Pocatello students; Tribal Youth Education Program staff hosted a Create a Christmas Card for Elders station; and winter coats donated by Clyde Hall were distributed to those in need.
Recreation Manager, Juan Rodriguez, said he appreciated everyone for their donations and volunteering in making the event possible.
