Santa arrived safe and sound at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 to the delight of an excited group of children and parents at Snacks with Santa in the Winfield Central School cafeteria. Every child who took time to visit with Santa had a free picture taken while talking to him, courtesy of the Winfield Lions Club. And after reading their wish lists to Santa, children received a candy cane donated by the Winfield Chamber of Commerce.

A Reindeer Raffle had a vast selection of prizes, including a digital picture frame, items from Southern Living Party and gift baskets with such themes as Romance, featuring wine, candles and ornaments, and Mommy’s Time Out, offering bath salts, gift certificate, wine and bandana. Scheffler’s Flowers donated a large decorated wreath for the raffle. As guests arrived at the school’s back entrance, they were greeted by Winfield Junior Woman’s Club members working behind a long table overflowing with baked goodies at $5 a paper plate.

A highlight of the afternoon was the performance by the NcNulty Irish Dancers. They were so well received, they did a number of encores.

After they reviewed their wish lists with Santa, this columnist asked the boys and girls, “What would be the best gift you could receive this year?”

Gina Miotto, 2, of Winfield said, “Dolls, toys, candy — and Santa will come to my house.”

Jackson Thom, 7, of Winfield answered, “Rayman Raving Rabbids, electronic game.” Gabriel Matson, 7, added, “A snowboard.”

“My family has made Snacks with Santa a family tradition,” said Debbie Grondfeldt of Wheaton. “The tradition will continue, as here I am with my granddaughters, Mariska, 18 months, and Lucy, 12 months.”

Patti Weber, president of the Winfield Junior Woman’s Club, which sponsors the longtime tradition, thanked this year’s  members for another successful event: Kelley Vail, Cindy Schuler, Wendee Passini, Dee Thom, Kay Carter, Val Fraser, Deb Tocco, Karen Russo, Jeanne Ward, Doris Lambert, Cherrie King and Denys Malay.

Winter programs

Winfield Park District’s Winter Program Guide contains a variety of programs for tots, teens, adults and seniors. A Kiddie Chefs program is offered for aspiring young chefs ages 3 to 5. Children will prepare snacks from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays and hear a story that relates to the snack. They also will learn about kitchen safety, sample all their creations and learn proper table manners. If participants have any allergies, it should be noted at registration. The first session meets from Jan. 22 to Feb. 19, and the second from Feb.  26 to March 26, at the Charles R. Beggs Activity Center. Cost is $32 for district residents, $42 for nonresidents. Visit www.winfieldparkdistrict.com.

Teen ski trip

A Teen Ski and Snowboard Overnight Trip is planned Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7, for ages 11 to 19. At midnight, Chestnut Mountain is closed to the public, and the 140 acres overlooking the Mississippi River are available to Park District participants. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 9.  Cost is $55 for residents, $67 for nonresidents.

Puppet show

Melikin Puppets presents “ The Night before Christmas” and the “The Shoemaker and the Elves” at 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 18, in the Winfield Public Library. Tickets are required. For information, visit www.winfield.lib.il.us. 

Get growing

Winfield Area Gardeners will not meet in January. The February meeting will be an open forum with a question-and-answer session with Urban Owen, a Winfield resident who is quite knowledgeable about general gardening.

The group will gather in the Winfield Community Bank, 27W111 Geneva Road. Lilacs and hydrangeas will be discussed in April, also at the bank. New plants for 2009 will be the topic of the May meeting.

Three days of thanks

Everyone is invited to celebrate Antiques of Winfield’s third year in business Jan. 2 to 4. The mall will be open until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be refreshments and special discounts. Antiques of Winfield is open seven days a week at 27W461 Ave., site of the former Ace Hardware.