Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive Friday

For the seventh year, Maricopa residents Linda and Rich Huggins open their home and garage to Santa and Mrs. Claus for the 12 days of Christmas, only it will be 15 days this year.

The event – 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21 – is free, but the public is asked to bring a toy and nonperishable food item to help the Maricopa F.O.R. food bank.

“Nobody should have to pay to see Santa, and no family should have to go hungry,” Mrs. Claus said.

The jolly couple arrive 6 p.m. Friday on a “Code 3” Maricopa Fire engine at 44267 W. Cypress Lane in Desert Cedars. Last year more than 828 children visited.

Each year the Huggins transform their garage into Santa’s living room, complete with a fireplace and their dog atop the mantle. Children may bring Santa their wish lists, and parents may bring cameras to take photographs.

Each child will receive a candy cane courtesy of Maricopa resident Ted Yocum.

More information is available at www.MaricopaSanta.com.

Maricopa Pool & Spa Service, News of Maricopa and H&N Landscape sponsor the event.