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SUMMIT COUNTY -- Santa Claus paid a visit to some lucky kids in Coalville Saturday, and their parents say it was an event that made a huge difference in the lives of their families.
It's been a tough go lately, thanks to the economy. Santa's organizers didn't want that to get in the way of making this Christmas special for Utah children.
As 1-year-old Jaden Rowser waited in line to see Mr. Claus, heard another baby crying while sitting in Santa's lap. When it was his turn, naturally he cried too.
This is just another thing to make Christmas just a little bit more special.
–Bonnie Johnson
"We've been trying to warm him up to it all morning," said Jaden's mom Shelly Rowser.
It can be tough when meeting the big guy early on, but as kids get older and realize Santa equals presents, that's when he doesn't seem so scary anymore.
"He looks like he's losing a little bit of weight," said 7-year-old Miles Hammond.
Santa Claus pulled his reindeer into the Coalville fire house in Summit County Saturday morning. There was no way, even during tough economic times, he was going to miss it.
The local Lions Club organizes this event, giving kids a chance to read their Christmas lists to him -- and boy did they read.
In fact, when Nate Hammond's children heard they were meeting Santa, they immediately asked for more paper.
"They were adding to their list. They were writing everything down so they made sure everything was on there," Hammond said.
It's part of what the magic of Christmas is all about.
"That's why we do it. It's for the kids," said Bonnie Johnson of the Coalville Lion's Club.
It's for parents too. Because for just a few moments, the really scary things like the mortgage, the rent, and the tough times don't mean a thing.
"This is just another thing to make Christmas just a little bit more special," said Johnson.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
