Santa coming to West Chester

WEST CHESTER — The West Chester Heritage Building will host its annual Christmas gala this weekend, in a collaboration with the West Chester Lions Club.

The event offers kids craft projects, snacks and a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“It brings community together at Christmastime,” West Chester Heritage Association President Dean Greiner said. “We want the holidays to be special to all the families, and I think with the area youth, getting to see Santa and Mrs. Claus are kind of reminiscent of the good days.”

The gala follows a different theme every year. Greiner said this year’s was “starry night,” complete with mock-up snow drifts and a night sky backdrop for pictures.

The event is free, but organizers request a free will donation. While a recent matching grant paid for the Heritage Building’s long-sought roof work, Greiner said the association had plenty of other good uses for the cash.

“We have ongoing maintenance all the time,” he said. “We’d like to get some new curtains for our stage, and we’d like to work on the ceiling of the gymnasium, as well as just our regular upkeep.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com