Wishes from the children
Temporary Elf Anne McLean joins Liam Hinde of Chesterville and Santa at the Chesterville & District Rotary Club’s Breakfast with Santa event at the Chesterville Legion on Dec. 2.    Thompson Goddard photo

Carolyn Thompson Goddard
Record Correspondent
CHESTERVILLE – Over the past few years, the Breakfast with Santa hosted by the Chesterville & District Rotary Club has grown into a must-attend event for people of all ages.

This year, the premier Christmas event was held at the Chesterville Legion on Dec. 2 with an estimated crowd of over 300 people enjoying a full course breakfast. The long lineups for food moved swiftly as Rotarians served up platefuls of scrambled eggs, home fries, toast and sausages. If visitors were looking for something sweet, the bake table run by Christ Church United gave them an opportunity to pick up a butter tart, delicious donut or a variety of other homemade treats.

Santa arrived just after 9 a.m. and for the next hour or so was busy listening to the Christmas wishes of children who scrambled up to sit on his knee and whisper them in his ear. The two elves who accompanied Santa on the trip were kept busy helping children onto the stage or handing out chocolate bars.

One of the children who visited with Santa was Liam Hinde of Chesterville. Mother Anick Hinde said that the whole family was excited to come to the event and the “breakfast was very good.” Hinde continued how Santa could look forward to some milk and homemade cookies at their home on Dec. 24 and there would be some carrots for the reindeer too!

After visiting with Santa, many youngsters made their way to the craft tables where a variety of holiday crafts were being made including holiday ornaments. After all the excitement, the Dundas County Milk Producers had a special treat at their table – hot chocolate with a dollop of ice cream in it.

Chesterville & District Lions were on site selling the Christmas cookies and fruit cake which has become synonymous with the holiday season and the Dundas County Leos were busy selling raffle tickets on three gift baskets and a beautiful necklace at their table.

Once again the Chesterville & District Rotary Club has opened the holiday season with an event that provides an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to enjoy a hearty breakfast, socialize with friends and watch the youngsters enjoy the magic of the Christmas season.