COVID is Causing Adjustments, but Santa is Still Coming to Town Saturday

COVID is doing its best to mess things up, but Santa is still coming to downtown Effingham on Saturday.

Santa will arrive at his house on the Effingham County Courthouse lawn at 4pm and will greet families as they drive by to say Hello until 5pm. Goody bags, sponsored by the Downtown Effingham Business Group, will be handed out to the first 250 children. Mask wearing is encouraged as families drive by in their vehicles.

Beginning this Sunday, December 6, Santa will be available in his house for visits. Santa's elves will be taking special precautions to keep everyone safe. Santa will be at the south end of the house, behind a plexiglass screen, and children can greet him from the ramp of the house. Visitors are asked to wait in their vehicles while others are visiting with Santa. Again, kids are encouraged to wear a mask while visiting with Santa.

The Downtown Effingham Business Group is working on letters from Santa. Forms are available online or at the office of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and at the courtesy counter at Kirby Foods for parents to complete. Letters from Santa are for children up to the age of 12. The deadline to submit a letter is December 18 so that letters can reach kids by Christmas. The online address at the Chamber is www.effinghamcountychamber.com.

Here are the hours to drop by Santa's house on the Courthouse lawn for a visit: