Families in Halkirk and area were up and about bright and early on Sunday to ring in the Christmas season, enjoy a hot breakfast and visit with Santa at the community hall.
Breakfast with Santa is organized annually by the Halkirk Elks, explained Dale Kent, speaking to the Independent as he ate his meal on Sunday, Dec. 7.
“It’s something we do every year, and have done since the land before time,” said Kent, adding that the number of young families in the area has decreased in recent years.
“There’s not that many kids around here anymore,” he said. “Every year’s a challenge.”
Still, Sunday morning saw a steady stream of parents, kids and seniors turning up at the hall for a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham and fresh fruit. The meal was $6 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.
A group of junior high students from Mother Teresa School had arrived around 8 a.m. to help prepare and serve the meal. There was also a bake sale to benefit the students.
Kent said they were anticipating close to 150 people for breakfast, while Santa made his appearance around 10 a.m.
The Elks contribute to several causes in the area, and also work in co-operation with the hall board to provide funding and assist with maintenance.
Some of their events are fundraisers, but Kent said the Christmas breakfast is an opportunity to give back to the people in the district.
“We just like to do this for the community,” he said.