News Editor

Dec. 7, 2000 10 PM

Children everywhere are looking forward to Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus.

To make the wait a little easier, the Troy Junior Women’s League called Santa all the way up in the North Pole. It probably took a lot of persuading, but they were able to convince Santa Claus to make a surprise visit to Troy this Saturday.

This isn’t the first time the Jolly Old Elf has made an early visit to Troy. He has been coming to town a little early for "Breakfast With Santa" since the late 1980s, said Carlene Session of the Troy Junior Women’s League.

"The kids are able to see Santa, and his elves pass out candy canes," Sessions said. "While they are visiting with Santa they have a chance to get their pictures made."

Photographer Brenda Summers of Portrait by Design will offer various packages for an additional charge.

Admission to "Breakfast with Santa" is $3 and includes a lot more than just visiting with Santa.

"The Children get to make their own Christmas ornaments to take home with them," Sessions said. "There will be arts and crafts and a pancake breakfast."

A coloring contest is also held along with "Breakfast With Santa." Before the day of the breakfast, children can color the Christmas tree distributed by the Troy Junior Women’s League. After "Breakfast With Santa" member of the Troy Junior Women’s League will judged the coloring. Winners of the coloring contest will receive a $50 savings bond from SouthTrust Bank, Colonial Bank, Regions Banks and Troy Bank and Trust.

"Breakfast with Santa" will be held from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Collegedale Church of Christ. The event is sponsored by the Troy Junior Women’s League and is open to the public.

If your child is interested in entering the coloring contest, the Christmas tree is located on Page 11 of today’s edition of The Messenger.