• Article Photo. Jack and Madeline Blais speak to Santa Thursday.
    Jack and Madeline Blais speak to Santa Thursday.
  • Article Photo. Elizabeth Stratton poses on Santa's lap.
    Elizabeth Stratton poses on Santa's lap.
  • Article Photo. Dakota Stratton eyes Santa during Mr. Claus's first visit to Vinton of 2011.
    Dakota Stratton eyes Santa during Mr. Claus's first visit to Vinton of 2011.
  • Article Photo. Santa asks Jack and Madeline Blais what they want for Christmas.
    Santa asks Jack and Madeline Blais what they want for Christmas.
  • Article Photo. Veteran Ron Geiger welcomes the crowd to the courthouse lawn after the 3rd annual parade.
    Veteran Ron Geiger welcomes the crowd to the courthouse lawn after the 3rd annual parade.

     Santa Claus rode into Vinton Thursday night, on the top of a Vinton fire truck. He then sang songs with many people gathered for the tree lighting at the courthouse before going inside to meet area children.