James, Andrew and Maisy Altheide pose with Santa. Photo by Emily Altheide

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Close to 200 Gridley residents had a fun morning with Santa at the Gridley Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The annual Breakfast with Santa event was a huge success. Gridley Recreation Coordinator, Amanda Kaelin, was pleased with the turnout and said the youth enjoyed the craft activities and the gingerbread house contest.

A pancake and hot chocolate breakfast was prepared and served by Gridley Lions Club members. Santa and the Grinch were both there, represented by Edson Smith and Tressie Atkinson. Later, both were available for pictures with the children.

After getting full on pancakes, youth enjoyed the craft station. There were Grinch headbands to make and wooden ornaments to decorate.

Eighteen student volunteers from Sycamore Middle School and Gridley High School directed the activities, as well as helped with the event’s set up and clean up.

Pictured here is one of the winners of the Gingerbread House Contest. Photo courtesy of Amanda Kaelin

The school volunteers also conducted the Gingerbread House Contest, which had more than 20 entries. The youth division winners were first-place decorator Reagan Rogers, while second-place went to Carlee Rogers, both daughters of Heather and Jim Rogers, who won the adult division.

Jason and Emily Altheide of Gridley brought their family to the festivities. Their son, James, said that his favorite part of the day was the hot cocoa with marshmallows and sprinkles. He and his siblings also enjoyed posing with Santa for a picture.

If you missed this event, the Gridley Parks and Recreation Department has two more days coming up for Christmas activities at the Community Center.

The Gridley Community Center is located at 200 Spruce St. near the Gridley High School.

On Saturday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 23, youth ages 5 to 7 and youth ages 8 to 14 will be able to decorate cupcakes, make ornaments and other crafts, including festive tea towels and holiday painting. Hours on both days are from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $30.

Call the Gridley Recreation Department at 530-846-3264 or check online at gridley.ca.us for more information.