Caledonia’s Vern Inglett has been having a great time serving as Santa’s helper for the past six years during Winter Wonderland. He’s shown above visiting with Gavin Cords, son of Wade and Melissa Cordes of Caledonia during last year’s Santa Breakfast.

“Art Linkletter used to say ‘kids can say the darndest things.’ I can certainly vouch for that,” said Vern Inglett of Caledonia. For the past six years Inglett has been serving as Santa Claus during Caledonia’s annual Winter Wonderland celebration. This weekend Inglett will be donning the bright red and white Santa outfit and hoist over 400 kids onto his lap and ask them what they want for Christmas.

Bob Nelson, who served as Caledonia’s clerk/administrator for 25 years, will serve as this years Winter Wonderland Parade Grand Marshal.                        Photo by Charlie Warner

“I’m loving retirement, although I haven’t made a dent in my ‘honey do’ list,” former Caledonia Clerk/Administrator Bob Nelson said last week. Nelson recently received a surprise call from Caledonia Community Celebrations Vice President Chelsey Lager informing the long-time public servant that he had been chosen as the 2009 Winter Wonderland Parade Grand Marshal.

This Oriental display will feature two beautiful robes that were recently donated to HCHS. They were acquired by Francis P. Lapham when she traveled to China in 1932.
 

Caledonia’s Winter Wonderland celebration just wouldn’t be complete without the Houston County Historical Society’s Old Fashioned Christmas. The annual event, which features an open house both Saturday and Sunday, historic displays and demonstrations in the various buildings that make up the Historic Village, drinks and treats, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, will be highlighted with the official groundbreaking of the museum addition.