At the invitation of American Legion Hughes-Pittinger Post 26, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be making a pre-Christmas appearance in their newly remodeled assembly hall on Saturday, Dec. 16.

In preparation for the first ever visit with the veterans’ group, members of the Legion and friends of the Post began decorating Tuesday for the special occasion, hoping to make Santa and all his fans feel welcome. They are planning quite the reception.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. for the free public event, which includes activities, treats and photo ops with the chubby, rosy-cheeked old man from the North Pole.

“We decided we wanted to do something for the community for Christmas. And we figured the best thing you can do is have a Christmas party and have Santa come,” said retired Army Sgt. First Class Tim Heine, who is commander of the Post.

He said the Post hopes to make it an annual event, but it depends on the Claus’ schedule.

It will be a fun-filled night for the kids,” said retired Navy Machinist’s Mate Second Class, SW Danielle Rempfer, who is second vice commander of the Legion. “We're gonna make little gingerbread houses, decorate Santa cookies. And of course, have the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.”

There will also be surprises for the children, she said, as well as a meal of chili or chicken and noodle soup.

Patty Paulson, president of the American Legion Auxiliary at Post 26, said one of the goals of the night is to make sure every child feels welcome.

“Every child that walks through that door will be equal. There won’t be an upper class, lower class or middle class; they're all just kids and they're gonna have fun,” she said.

Paulson, who coordinates the Powell-area commodities distributions, also volunteers to cook Tuesday nights for the Legion’s new Taco Tuesday feasts. The food is free from 5-7 p.m. each Tuesday.