Santa to arrive on fire truck for last First Friday

In a local holiday tradition, Santa Claus will arrive in downtown Greencastle at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 to ring in December First Friday festivities.

Taking a seat in the Putnam County Courthouse rotunda, Santa will be on hand to listen to the Christmas wishes of girls and boys until 7 p.m.

Weather permitting, gingerbread trolley rides around the downtown area will be available from 5-8 p.m. The trolley will be provided by John Shoffner Farm Machinery.

Activities at participating merchants include:

- Myer’s Market - ornament making;

- Conspire - free samples and sale;

- Bear Threads - ugly Christmas sweater contest;

- Wasser - cocktail specials and live band;

- Cricket’s - specials and a treat;

- Eitel’s & Co. - ”visions of sugar plums” sweet wishes treats, hot cider and in-store specials;

- The Inn at DePauw - decorated patio, invited to take holiday photos inside or outside;

- Wilson’s - chex mix & punch, mini photo sessions, showcasing photo charms;

- Fineline Chocolates - candy box specials;

- Burdge Boots - hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and store specials;

- Putnam Inn - Christmas cocktails and gift card specials;

- CVB - hosting Civic League gift wrapping.