Discover something you might not know…about a local place or face you might just love!
Colorful Character: Santa’s Village at The North Pole U.S.A
Location: 11350 W. Peet Rd., Chesaning, 989.845.2143, www.santas-village.org
Open weekends in 2014 from November 29/30 through December 20/21, Santa’s Village at The North Pole U.S.A is a 25,000 square-foot, indoor, heated Christmas Wonderland! Families and children can enjoy an indoor train ride, carnival rides and a carousel, an intricate model train display, over 175 Christmas trees decorated for the season, a large Lego® display, holiday arts and crafts including making food for Santa’s reindeer and writing letters to Santa – and pictures with the jolly man himself, either with your own camera or professionally taken for $10.
Tasty Tidbits – Did You Know…?
- Heartfelt Volunteers
The Saginaw County Fair Association has depended on the time and efforts of approximately 75 to 100 volunteers to create and operate Santa’s Village at The North Pole U.S.A since 2004. Beginning in early October, volunteers gather to set up and decorate the magical wonderland and maintain operations.
- The Magic is Donated
Approximately 95 percent of the decorations, lights, trees and more at Santa’s Village have been donated! Year round, people drop items off at the fair office that become the décor. Admission proceeds from the Village go back into creating the next season’s delights, as well as paying for needs of operating Santa’s Village each year.
- Calling All Veterans
Opening weekend, November 29/30, is Veterans and Active Military Weekend. With valid identification, veterans and active military members receive free entrance both Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend. Admission otherwise is $10 for ages 6 and up, $5 for ages 3 to 5, and free for children 2 and under.
“Watching families together, having such a good time here,” says Sandy Sloan, volunteer for nine years and co-chairman of the Saginaw County Fair Association, “kind of blows my mind! It’s magical. Last year, as a little boy left out into the snow, he said, ‘Oh my gosh! This really is the North Pole!’”
Great Lakes Bay Moms Loves Santa’s Village at The North Pole U.S.A!
Jen is a freelance writer, parent to three, and she’s been a stepparent for over 15 years. She is well-equipped to discuss and write about the great, and the not-so-great, details of all-things-parenting. Along with spending quality time with her family, Jen enjoys music, chocolate, camping and relaxing. And laughing!