A magical day in Merrill

Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
FRIGID RIDE — Joel Duff takes a group — Hannah and Haley McGary, Ryder and Calli Russell and Amber and Shayna McMannus — on a cold wagon ride during Merrill Millstream Park’s Christmas event.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    MERRILL — It may have been among one of the coldest days of December, but the children did not seem to mind as they anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa Claus Dec. 15 in Merrill.
    Bundled up with hats, coats, scarves and blankets, children enjoyed hot chocolate and a number of baked goodies served by Jill Bustard, either under the Merrill Millstream Park pavilion or standing near the roaring bonfire, radiating enough BTUs to dissolve the chill in the air.
YOUNG VISITOR — Among one of the youngest visitors on hand to meet Santa at Merrill Millstream Park’s old-fashion Christmas celebration is Elena Lloyd with aunt Shannon Lloyd.
    “This is our third year and the best yet,” said Merrill Town Manager Candy Nevers. “Christmas music played in the background, children played on the playground equipment and adults visited with neighbors. It was an enjoyable day for everyone.”
    Joining Santa Claus this year on his visit to Merrill were three elves, a gingerbread man and a walking Christmas tree, along with Mike Carpenter’s pair of work horses, Jill and Bella, and 2-month-old colt Jack.
    “I don’t know who got more attention — Santa or baby horse Jack — both were loved by all of the children,” added Nevers.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
HELLO — Santa Claus is greeted by the children as he arrives at the Merrill Millstream Park Christmas event.
    More than 60 children attended the old-fashioned Christmas celebration, along with many adults. Organizers made 75 gift bags and were given 60 signed children’s books “Spider” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”  
    Nevers noted, “We  ran out of books the last 15 minutes. So, probably six to 10 children did not receive a book.”
    During the event, Merrill resident Druscilla Ewings, who is nearly 90, knitted homemade mittens, hats and socks to give away to the children.
    “She did the knitting — all year!,” said Nevers.
    Joel Duff, who drove Emery Nightingale’s carriage, gave rides to those in attendance, as a brisk, cold wind blew across the wagon’s pathway. According to Nevers, the wagon rides, despite the wintry blast, was a “big hit” with the young and old alike.
    After the arctic ride, those at Merrill Millstream Park could cozy up to a toasty fire kept by Andy Bustard and Rob Furrow.
    “It was all volunteer and all donated gifts,” said Nevers. “It was an absolute wonderful time, with the true spirit of Christmas. It was a day of fun and  festivities for the children. Every child is precious to us and we gave them a magical day.”Before Santa arrived at Merrill Millstream Park, goodies and hot chocolate were enjoyed by those who waited, along with a bonfire to stay warm. Allen Stevens gets ready to pick out a cookie.