Spotlight: Santa and Mrs. Claus (video)

Our InMaricopa Spotlight series hit the road to catch up with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the South Polar Express.

Rich and Linda Huggins, otherwise known and Santa and Mrs. Claus, created their winter wonderland 10 years ago as “Santa’s Living Room.” However, in honor of the decade anniversary, they upgraded the setting to the “South Polar Express.”

“We started this 10 years ago as a way to give back,” Linda Huggins said. “Everything that we collect goes to F.O.R. Maricopa (Food Bank) to ensure the less fortunate kids don’t go without. It’s really difficult to a parent to have to try to explain to your child why there are no presents under the tree from Santa Claus.”

The winter event has grown consistently over the last 10 years. Last year, the Hugginses were able to provide gifts to 950 local children, and they hope to reach 1,000 this year.

“We’re just the catalyst,” Linda Huggins said. “The entire city comes together and brings all the (presents and attractions). All we do is sit here and provide a catalyst for the collection point.”

The South Polar Express will be in town until Santa has to return to the North Pole on Dec. 20. It is open from 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays.