CANTON – For nearly the fourth decade of Canton's Holiday of Lights festival, Santa Claus will visit with many Canton area children and light up Christmas trees on the village green at 6 p.m. Friday night after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 24.

As the county's role model for twinkling little white lights on downtown Main Street trees and lighted red-bowed wreaths on each lamp post, the village becomes alive for the cold months ahead.

Thanks to generous donations from Canton businesses and individuals the jolly old elf will give each child a book and a candy cane and greet the waiting crowd.

Frosty the Snowman and Mickey Mouse will pose with the children and. Diane Foote and Maria Tartaglia will lead the crowd in singing popular holiday music.

With a lighted Canton police escort, Santa will arrive at the park on Monica Stone's sleigh wagon pulled by her two beautiful, powerful Percheron horses. Santa will have rows of flaming torches held by Canton Volunteer Fire Department to lead him to his platform steps.

After each child's Santa visit, they can go for a sleigh ride with their parents and also be treated to hot chocolate and sweet goodies at the nearby Presbyterian Church.

Santa is helped by his committee of local elves, including Phyllis Howard, Carol Johnson, Joyce Lilholt, Brad Mintener, and Marilyn Mintener .

All children are reminded to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.