• Article Photo. Santa arrives in Vinton and welcomes children at the Benton County Courthouse
    Santa arrives in Vinton and welcomes children at the Benton County Courthouse
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

Thursday evening brought excited children to downtown Vinton to welcome Santa Claus to town. Santa along with the winners of the Turkey Coloring Contest rode atop one of the fire trucks from the Vinton Fire Department.

The events kicked off with the chili supper at the Vinton Fire Department held by the Vinton Lions Club who donated the proceeds to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flights, 

The annual Christmas Parade began a bit later kicking off promptly at 6:00 p.m. with floats and displays from area businesses and organizations.

Of course, for the kids the highlight was getting to see Santa and visit with him in the courthouse. Children flocked to Santa and climbed in his sleigh to have a little chat ending the evening with a smile.

To see pictures courtesy of Lydia Close, click here!