Santa comes to Roseville
By: Anne Stokes / Press Tribune Correspondent
Addison Altieri of Roseville, 3, was a bit shy at first, but finally built up the courage to ask Santa for a baby Sophia doll for Christmas, at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
Sisters Riley, 3, left, and Lexi Stahlecker, 5, of Roseville customize ornaments at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
Maiya Gruel of Roseville, 4, creates her own ornament at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
Jocelyn Jones, 15, a Roseville High School sophomore, volunteers with her school's Key Club, helping children make their own ornaments at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
Rylan Hall, 2 1/2, can hardly contain his excitement over Santa Claus' arrival at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park (pictured with Dad Austin Hall of Roseville).
Santa arrives at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park with a little help from Roseville's Fire Department.
Santa has entered the building! The Man in Red arrives at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
Olivia Rappold,12, volunteers at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park by working the free refreshment table.
Madison Silva, 8, left, and brother Ethan, 8, of Roseville make their way up to see Santa at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park. Madison requested a telescope and a globe, while younger brother Ethan asked Santa for a pogo stick.
Colton Johnson of Roseville, 3, asks Santa for a yellow bike (just like his big brother's) at RCONA's second annual Santa in the Park event at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park.
The Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations put on their second annual Santa in the Park event this year at the Roseville Sports Center at Mahany Park on Saturday. Santa caught a ride with the Roseville Fire Department, arriving via fire truck, to the delight of the hundreds of children waiting to see him.
Families were also treated to free refreshments and ornament arts and crafts projects, while enjoying the sound of Christmas carols performed by the Northern California Children's Choir.
"Roseville used to do the [event] where they went through the streets with Santa, and they had to cancel it because it got too expensive," explained RCONA event chair person Sue Hallihan-Cook. "So this is an easier way, and a lot less expensive, to still put on some event so [the children] can see Santa."
For those who missed it on Saturday, there's still a chance to get some face time with the Man in Red. Another appearance is planned for Sunday afternoon at the Maidu Community Center, located at 1550 Maidu Dr. in Roseville from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. RCONA will also be accepting non-perishable canned food donations for families in need.