Elves, helpers need for Santa Land

The jolly man in the red suit is asking for help to plan the 17th annual Santa Land this year.

He’s enlisted the help of Lanny Corcimiglia, Greg Riggs and Chris Waite from the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department.

Anyone interested in helping or participating is asked to attend a planning meeting at 2 p.m. Monday at the Black River Coliseum.

“A few businesses already are on board for the Dec. 1 event,” but anyone else who wants to help or participate is asked to attend the organizational gathering or call the park department at 573-686-8645, Waite said.

Waite credits Riggs as the experienced volunteer helping Santa with the event.

The Black River Coliseum floor usually is transformed into a holiday wonderland full of activities for children and the entire family to enjoy and will again this year.

In the past, nearly 20 booths with activities and goodies included area churches, Hearts for Rescue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello, SEMO Search and Rescue, Designing Women Foundation and numerous businesses from the area.

While the event and activities usually are geared toward children 12 years and younger, the entire community is invited to Santa Land.

The popular event has drawn a crowd of 800 to 1,000 people, but this year there will be some changes and capacity will be regulated.

More information will come about how to register to attend the event, according to organizers. Santa Land is free to the public.