Calhoun County residents continue Christmas celebrations

Santa was back in Calhoun County Sunday, making stops in Lytton and Rockwell City, visiting with children and double-checking what they wanted for Christmas.

In Lytton, more than a dozen children came to the American Legion post to see Jolly Old Saint Nick. Once they had whispered in his ear, they had time for cookies and a horse-drawn wagon ride through the town.

A few blocks away from the party, the Lytton Museum opened for several hours, offering visitors a chance to check out a special exhibit of old-fashioned toys. The display was selected to coincide with Christmas, volunteer Colleen Arndt said, while giving free tours.

In Rockwell City an hour later, people lined up outside the fire station, waiting their turn for the department’s popular buffet of soups.

Kids clambered aboard a United Bank of Iowa trolley for a 10-minute ride around town, while adults perused tables of wares for sale inside the station.

Watching over everyone was Santa Claus, jingling bells heralding his arrival.