GWINN -- Kids welcomed the holiday spirit at a Christmas party in Gwinn on Saturday afternoon. The local V.F.W. auxiliary provided hot dogs, cookies, and other refreshments.

Kids participated in a variety of games including ring toss. This year's turnout was pretty high, according to party chairman Donald St. Aubin.

"I drive a lot of these kids on the school bus, so I'm familiar with a lot of them. They're all good kids. Especially this time of the year, I think they're a little bit better than normal."

A special appearance by Santa Claus himself excited the children. Parents gathered around the jolly fellow to take pictures of their kids' special moment.