Santa parked his semi-truck on Weisel Street last Friday evening to entertain a crowd of about 200 kids and families from surrounding areas.
Through the Kandiyohi Men’s Club, Atwater Chamber and Kandiyohi Area YMCA, the 2018 Holiday Express 18-Wheeler rolled through Cosmos, Litchfield, Grove City and Atwater on its second day of the event’s 13-stop journey. The Santa Semi toured from Dec. 13-15, beginning in Lake Lillian Thursday and ending in Willmar Saturday. The Holiday Express made four stops the first two evenings and finished with five stops on it’s last day.
In it’s 22nd year, the Santa Semi remains popular, and as the idea-man for the event Steve Lueders said, Litchfield always has a great turnout.
“They beat Willmar every year,” Lueders joked.
Lueders said the event began as the Santa Train back in 1988, but the group that sponsored it decided that Minnesota was too far away. He decided to pick up where they left off.
“We partner with each city,” Lueders said. “Each town has their own Santa and Mrs. Claus come out for the event.”
Lueders said the event would not be possible without the help of the Meeker County Sheriff’s Department, or the Litchfield Police and Fire departments.
Mickey Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck and other characters were present for the holiday festivities.
– Cam Bonelli
