By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Santa Claus didn't arrive in the normal sleigh pulled by reindeer. This Saturday at Riverfront Park, he instead arrived atop a Niles City fire truck.
For the 20th year, the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce sponsored Santa's arrival.
With Saturday's weather nice, a crowd of about 200 people had formed prior to Santa's arrival and Sather predicted before the event was over nearly 600 people would have attended.
Five year old Justeene Udell of Niles, was the first child to climb atop Santa's lap to tell him what she wants for Christmas.
Becky Jerue of Niles brought four of her grandchildren to visit Santa Claus. “I love the holiday season as it allows me to spend more time with my grandchildren and the rest of the family,” Jerue said. “Even though I get to see them quite often It's just so great to be around the family during the holidays.”
Seven-year-old Tyler Jerue, also of Niles, asked Santa Claus for a dirt bike, because one of his favorite sports is motorcross.
Olivia Gaul, 10, asked Santa for a Video Now, a personal video system which she can watch DVDs on.
Mariah Rifenberg, 7, wanted to ensure Santa Claus knew exactly what she wanted for Christmas so she brought along a catalog to show him an exact picture.
The set she hopes to see under the tree comes with a mini chalk board, papers for students to work on and many of the things you would see in a classroom.
Her twin sister Meghan, asked for something a bit different than her sister.
Sather would like to thank everyone who helped to make the event possible.
Sather also thanked Mike Gross, for his many years of as Santa' helper and Morgan and Samantha Krause, Joshua Eaves, and Dee Turrell for being Santa's helpers passing out coloring books, candy canes and refreshments and chamber executive assistant Karla Pierce.