SEBASTIAN — Sitting atop Kristy, the 18-year-old Palomino, Santa Claus rode into LaPorte Farms in Sebastian Saturday evening, wishing children and adults alike a Merry Christmas as he threaded his way around the property, stopping at his porch where he met the kids to take their last minute wishes.
Several hundred children swarmed, forming a long line.
Michelle Gallegos, 8, said it was her third time sitting with Santa because she wanted to be absolutely sure he didn’t forget what she wanted for Christmas – a Ninetendo DSi.
Her friend, 9-year-old Debbie Baker, wants a Ninetendo 3DS.
Before Santa’s arrival, Mrs. Claus greeted visitors to the LaPorte farm, handing out candy canes and holiday hugs.
“It’s very hot,” Mrs. Claus said of Florida’s weather – something she just can’t get used to because of all her time spent at the North Pole.
Despite her heat-related discomfort, Mrs. Claus was quick to smile and chat with the children, telling them that she and Santa had just talked about them at dinner the night before.
“The children are having a wonderful time,” she said.
Helping her to hand out candy canes was Shayla the Elf. Though 9 in human years, Shayla said she’s really 342 years old.
“I help make hot cocoa,” Shayla said of her duties up at the North Pole. She’s also in charge of making Santa’s favorite cookies – chocolate chip.
Shayla was selected to be one of Santa’s helpers because she studied hard and passed her elf exam.
“She’s been a very good elf,” Mrs. Claus said.
While the children waited for Santa Claus to arrive, they walked the property taking in the 80,000 white Christmas lights and various holiday displays.
They also challenged Bodacious, the mechanical bull.
First time rider 6-year-old Brendon Hooker cried out “No!” every time someone called out “Faster!”
He was able to stay on the bull until the ride came to an end.
When it was his 12-year-old brother’s turn to ride the bull, Brendon called out “Faster!” to Ryan, who took the challenge in stride.
Santa’s arrival, the holiday lights and the snowfall to come were all part of the LaPorte Farms annual Cowboy Christmas event.
“It’s fabulous,” Laura LaPorte said of the 5,000-strong turnout. “Can you look out and see all the smiling faces?”
That’s the reason she puts on the free event every year.
“This is my Christmas,” LaPorte said.
Right on time, a truck from Cassidy’s Ice arrived at the farm, ready to crunch 10 tons of ice into snow.
As the truck of ice began to shoot out snow, the children and their parents began to rush the pen. Their excitement was nearly fevered as volunteers began letting the children in to experience the falling snow.
The last time 7-year-old Aidan Wolfinbarger saw snow was three years ago when his family took a trip to Washington, D.C.
“I want to make a snow angel,” he said.
