Jolly Old Elf pays early visit to Valley

ROANOKE RAPIDS — Becker Village Mall ushered in the Christmas season early this weekend, holding a winter fashion show and welcoming Santa.

Saturday’s fashion show was organized by Margaret Draper and featured area models dressed in seasonal finery which can be found at stores inside the mall.

“Hopefully, it will get more people to come to the mall,” Draper said. “Hopefully it will get more stores here.”

At the end of the fashion show, Santa Claus took to the catwalk to display his fashionable black boots, bright red suit and matching hat.

He then took a seat so he could get several early Christmas requests from area children.

Ahmaad Harrison, 4, asked Santa for an ATM and a truck. He wasn’t sure why he wanted an ATM but said he already had money to fill it with.

As she listened to her son’s request his mother, Cathy Boyd said this Christmas, because of the economy, would be one with a budget. “We’re going to be cutting back. It will be just for immediate family. We’re going to draw names among our family.”

Chishae´Mallory said she asked Santa for a new puppy, playhouse and trampoline for outside. “I just want one,” she shyly said. “I had a dog but he died.”

Her father, Christopher, said, “We’re strictly on a budget the way the economy is. I trust the Lord that Christmas will be the same for the children.

“We’re going to catch the bargains and the sales.”

Santa will be at the mall through Dec. 21 and then again on Christmas Eve. Santa will be available for requests for your family pet on Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information on times call 537-9040.