SALISBURY — Sights and sounds of Christmas were evident at the Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post 342 building as a party was being hosted by its members for E.C. students from four area elementary schools.

Upon arrival, the first stop for the children was to have their picture taken by post member Ann Barber. As the festivities were ongoing, these were developed and returned to the teachers for a future craft project.

The fun continued as the students and their support team, along with the teachers from Bostian, Granite Quarry, Hurley and Millbridge elementary schools were provided with multiple activities to keep the children engaged, shared Queen E. Williams, second vice commander and organizer of the event. They could play bean bag toss, dance to the music, color and play with other toys while they waited for the next planned event on the agenda.

Williams noted that they usually serve seven schools; however, this year, they only served the schools that were able to come.

This is a longstanding event as Williams shared it has been taking place at the post, located at 1024 Lincolnton Road, for close to 60 years. And it’s a tradition she feels is important to continue “because it gives us an opportunity to just show the community that we love them and also to show the children and give them an outlet.”

Noting that the children had fun, Williams said, “they need it because of that, and I think it’s stimulating.”

Carol Stirewalt, who just recently began working in the office at the American Legion, said this was her first year to be a part of the event, and she likewise thought the children were “really enjoying themselves. It’s a great thing.”

Following her welcome, Williams invited any who wanted to gather around the front to watch the magic show, provided by magician and entertainer Glen Edward Yost. He got the audience involved in the act, both children and adults, providing a time of magic tricks, fun and smiles.

Some of the members of the post were occupied with various duties upstairs while several members were busy downstairs preparing the meal. One was the post’s current commander, Monte Bruce, who shared why he felt it was important to do what they were doing on this day.

The American Legion has four pillars and one of those is children, he noted. Therefore, they concentrate on children at both Christmas and Easter.

“It’s a distinct privilege and honor to help them have a good Christmas,” Bruce said.

When the last of the cupcakes were eaten and the tables cleared, Williams enlisted the help of the group to sing some Christmas songs, which ushered in the arrival of a special guest, Santa Claus.

Santa waved to everyone as he entered the room and made his way to his special chair and it was then time for each child to pay Santa a little visit and receive a specially wrapped present just for them, which brought on smiles from everyone watching.

While the event is all about the children, the veterans themselves have fun planning and hosting the day.

Harry Agner, who has been a member of the post for 50 years and has served as a past commander said, “it means a lot to us as veterans and members of the post. This is one of the things we enjoy doing.”

Post member Charlie Frick echoed that comment saying “it’s a good program. We enjoy doing it.”

Having worked with children most of her life, Williams said, “I love doing this, and I love working with children. I love the opportunity to be able to serve them.”