A baby meets Santa for the first time at the Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event was sponsored by the Living Water Community Church. Attendees enjoyed a hearty breakfast, games, crafts and Santa. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, isn’t it? Well, this last weekend it sure had a positive impact on our community.

The Living Water Community Church held its third annual Breakfast with Santa at the Events Center in Kemmerer. The center was bursting with excitement as the children played games, made crafts and visited with friends. Over 300 people joined together to share food and friendship as Living Water Pastor Alan Bella introduced Santa Claus to the children.

Families were invited to sit with Santa as the children whispered to him what they wanted for Christmas.

Anne Rudy gets her son Marcel ready for meeting Santa at the Events Center. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The room was teeming with people of all ages as the smell of hot pancakes and sausage filled the air. A hearty breakfast was served with the help of many volunteers. Folks enjoyed the time with friends as the community mingled in a cheery atmosphere reflective of the spirit of Christmas.

“This is our favorite event of the whole year,” said resident Shawn Radowitz. 

Children had the opportunity to build reindeer ornaments from pinecones and make a magical bag of "reindeer food" to take home with them. The pictures taken while talking with Santa were inserted into a picture frame ornament, making a perfect heirloom memory.

Kids at the Breakfast with Santa event made reindeer ornaments from pinecones while they waited for breakfast. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts) 

There were interactive games for kids and their parents to play before and after breakfast.

Sounds of laughter echoed throughout the room. You could just feel the energy as everyone interacted and spread Christmas cheer. 

“I love seeing the magic of Christmas,” said volunteer Sandra Bateman.“It’s so magical to see through the eyes of the kids.”

Volunteers with Living Water Church helped kids pin the nose on Rudolph at Breakfast with Santa at the Events Center on Dec. 16. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Learning to gather together and spend time with your neighbors in a loving and caring environment teaches us all that there can be peace among us.

The event continues to become more successful as it grows each year.

Bella was very thankful to all who offered their time and assistance in the program.

“We will definitely do this again next year,” Bella said as he waved to the crowd.

(GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)