By KATIE JOHNSON
Niles Daily Star

Seven-year-old Christopher Stanford, of Dowagiac, was the lucky first child this year to tell Santa Claus whether he’s been naughty or nice.

Christopher arrived at the Riverfront Park amphitheater in Niles more than an hour early Saturday to tell the man in red that yes, he has been good, and wants a PSP gaming system and four-wheeler for Christmas.

The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 26th annual arrival of Santa, who arrived – sirens blaring – through downtown on afire truck.

“It’s completely free – it doesn’t cost anybody anything,” Chamber president and CEO Ron Sather said.

The Chamber bought 1,000 coloring books and 700 candy canes for the children, and Martin’s donated 1,000 donut holes. The weather was beautiful for the event, which was hampered by rain and cold last year.

An estimated 600 kids and adults waited in line at the park.
Northside kindergartener Bailey Mitchell, who turns 6 today, said she was going to ask Santa for a Wii.

Twins Collin and Hunter Fazi, 5, of Niles, were asking for a race car game and a cricket gun.

“We have a list here, all ready to go,” their mother, April Fazi, said. “They’ve been pretty good.”