News : Santa Arrives! Downtown Vinton enters holiday season

Sophie and Chloe Mossman sit on Santa's lap after his arrival at the courthouse Thursday evening.

Elizabeth Stratton was one of the first children to sit on Santa's lap Thursday evening in Vinton.

Santa takes his seat at the courthouse, next to the tree set up by County Recorder Lexa Speidel.

Mayor Watson and local veterans met with Santa for tree lighting.

Vinton's children had their first glimpse of Santa Claus on Thursday evening, first as they watched him ride on a fire truck in the Second Annual Patriotic Veterans Christmas Parade, and then inside the Benton County Courthouse.

After joining local leaders for the tree lighting, Santa went into the courthouse, where he listened as children told them they'd been good and asked for specific gifts.

Vinton Unlimited Director Nathan Hesson told the adults in the audience that Vinton stores would be open seven days a week through Christmas. He encouraged them to do their shopping in Vinton.

Mayor John Watson thanked the veterans for their service as well as their community involvement before lighting the Christmas trees on the courthouse lawn.