Children take Christmas wish lists to Santa parade

WEST VALLEY CITY — Droves of residents turned out Friday morning for a Santa Christmas parade, spreading holiday cheer from Taylorsville to Valley Fair Mall.

The event is put on annually by ChamberWest, the Chamber of Commerce for West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns, and includes a number of participants including area dance groups, businesses and marching bands. Many of those who took part embraced the spirit of the event, sporting Santa's trademark red hat and passing out candy and coupons.

As music blasted from classic cars and fire trucks, children on the sidewalks cheered, waved and discussed their Christmas wish lists. From a bow and arrow to drums and Polly Pocket dolls, many of the children were looking forward to talking to Santa Claus in the mall and putting in their requests.

Libby Mehr said she was planning on asking for a new Barbie house that has an elevator. When her mother pointed out that she already has a Barbie house, she was quick to reply, "But it doesn't have an elevator on the side!"

Chandler Forster of Taylorsville was there to ride with his dad in the parade. He said he "sometimes" could land on the "naughty" list, but is still confident he will get the gifts he wants.

"I love race cars," he said. "I want a red one, because my favorite color is red."

Paula Dominguez said that she knows her Christmas wish will be granted because she helps her Mom with dishes "a lot."

"I was a good girl and I deserve a lot of stuff," she said, saying she knew she had her less-than-nice moments as well. "I know I did something, but I did gooder than bad."

The main event, Old St. Nick himself, rode in a traditional horse-drawn carriage and was sure to stay in character. He said it was a "really brisk" trip in to Utah, but added he was prepared.

"Mrs. Claus made my clothes really warm, so we worked out OK," he said.

Charley Dominguez summed up what she thought of the star of the day's events with a smile.

"He's great," she said.