Library, Chamber of Commerce Welcome Santa

"Thursdays With Santa," an annual program sponsored by the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce during December, did not disappoint the children who came to meet their hero in front of The Library of the Chathams.

"I had a foosball table in college," Santa told one who had just requested that very object for Christmas. He told another boy, who said he had emailed him, that he had received the email and was waiting for additional electronic communication from him.

"I also use the fax machine now," he said.

The Chamber hosted the event on the first three Thursdays of the month in front of the library. It supplies hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes and coordinates Santa's appearance. Many braved frigid temperatures to come to the event on Dec. 17—its final Thursday. Members of the Chatham Community Band also performed during the two hour gathering.

A variety of downtown businesses offered discounts or stayed open later that usual on the three Thursdays. Some stores, such as Spring Street Dezigns, offered free hot chocolate and cookies in the store for those who weren't able to get their fill during the actual event.