We started bright and early Saturday morning at the Poughkeepsie Galleria with Santa and Jingle the Elf for our special "Breakfast with Santa" at Ruby Tuesday.
Santa was greeted by some very excited (and very hungry) children. Santa visited each table, posed for pictures, "made his list, checked it twice...and decided all the children were very nice!"
We sang, we danced! Everyone had a wonderful time! A big THANK YOU!! goes to the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Ruby Tuesday, ShopRite, United Way and all the wonderful people who made this happy family holiday event possible! As Santa rode out of sight, we heard him exclaim, "Merry Christmas to all! and . . . let's do it again next year!
photos provided by the Poughkeepsie Galleria
You can see more pictures on the Poughkeepsie Galleria Facebook page.
Right after our hearty breakfast, we went to Center Court at the Poughkeepsie Galleria for our annual Greater Hudson Valley Toy Drive. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN ALL THE TOYS! AND THEY JUST KEPT COMING!!
We were joined by lots of Santa's helpers, including our very good friends from Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union; some merry members of the "Make a Child Smile" program at Greenhaven Correctional Facility; Dennis Vetrano, members of his staff at the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, and their families; and listeners from all over the Hudson Valley. The generosity displayed, the effort made, was all simply breathtaking. Literally brought tears to many eyes. These toys will all be distributed by many wonderful local organizations to children right here in the Hudson Valley. THANK YOU ALL!!!
More pictures and videos can be seen on the Q92 Facebook page.
Then we wrapped up the day with the big Parade and Tree Lighting and welcoming Santa at the Arlington Holiday Festival. Despite the nip in the air, a crowd turned out along the parade route to enjoy and applaud all the wonderful floats and marchers and marching bands that, once again, pulled out all the stops to participate in this great annual celebration. There are many more pictures to view on the Q92 Facebook page.