Photo shoots with St. Nick to benefit community
Money raised will go to Discovery Center, park shelter
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Mark Miller is getting into the Christmas spirit early this year.
The Fort Dodge businessman is offering two opportunities for holiday photos and fun with Santa Claus and Spirit the Elf, with the first coming this Saturday at the Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center.
A second date for pictures has been set for Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Bob Heun Shelter inside John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. All proceeds from both free-will donation events will go to support the Discovery Center and the shelter.
"Growing up, Christmas was defined by a feeling of pure anticipation...that magical thrill of counting down the days and finally getting to sit across from Santa, feeling the true warmth and joy of the season with my family," Miller said. "With our local mall no longer here, families have had fewer opportunities to experience that traditional, personal encounter with Santa. That inspired me to step into the boots as Santa and create a dedicated, community-rooted experience right here at home."
Miller, who will don the Santa suit himself, decided having fundraisers would be the best way to get as much of the community involved as possible while also giving back in the true Christmas spirit. A professional photographer will handle the pictures, and different packages will be available for purchase.
Saturday's event is to help families and individuals start their Christmas card process early. The second date - six days before Christmas - is for the last-minute holiday shoppers.
"Partnering with our local nature center was a natural fit," Miller said of this Saturday's festivities, which will run from 9 a.m. until noon. "Both Santa and the nature center bring people together, create wonder, and nurture a deep appreciation for the world around us.
"By launching this effort as a fundraiser, we are not only preserving the magic of Christmas for local families, but we are also investing directly into a community anchor that enriches our region year-round," he added."My goal is to build a tradition that our community looks forward to every single year -- one that brings back simple, heartfelt holiday joy, while supporting a cause that matters to all of us."
The Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center is located at 20 N. First St. in Fort Dodge.
The Santa photo session on Dec. 19 at the Heun Shelter will be from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
For more information or to book future appearances with Santa Claus, visit https://www.iowasantamagic.com/ or email info@iowasantamagic.com. There is also a Facebook page for "Iowa Santa."