Heralded by the announcing wail of sirens and the beckoning flash of blue and red whirly lights, Santa Claus made his way to Newitt Vick Drive, Sunday, December 14 for his 38th annual Visit to Openwood Plantation.
Being pulled through the neighborhood on an enchanted trailer, Santa was escorted by a parade of  Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy Cruisers and a fleet of Culkin Volunteer Fire Department fire trucks and vehicles.  Dozens of young children gathered in excited anticipation at designated stops throughout the community waiting for the chance to whisper their Christmas wishes to Jolly Ole Elf.  While older youngsters and the not so “youngsters” stepped into their yards to wave and cheer the parade as it coursed its way around the circle. More than one reveler exclaimed that the parade was like a scene from a movie.  Many parents were grateful that such a fun, memorable event could come to a neighborhood.
It just keeps getting better every year!
Santa just completed his 38th visit to the neighborhood.  It is a joint effort of the Openwood Plantation Garden Club, Warren County Fire Coordinator, Culkin Volunteer Fire Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, and Santa Claus.  The program is held in loving memory and honor of the late Josephine Head who, for many, many years, put her heart into coordinating every detail of this beloved event.
Planning for Santa’s Visit begins in September and many people are involved.  We must recognize and give heartfelt appreciation to the Vicksburg Post, Warren County Fire Coordinator, Jerry Briggs; the entire Culkin Volunteer Fire Department; Warren County Sheriff, Martin Pace, Deputies, Ford Emery, Rodney Lehman, and Jeff Harrel .
Santa, we thank you for, once again, taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit with the children of Openwood Plantation. It is so special to us! You really are the best!
And, of course, to the residents of Openwood Plantation  – both young and old – Thank you for wanting Santa to visit your neighborhood.  Without your excitement and participation Santa’s visit would become a thing of the past.  We are so happy that is not the case. You are truly a very special community.
This just in from the North Pole…Santa is looking forward to visiting Openwood again next year! So, it’s official – we’ll see you in 2015.
Sylvia Gurtowski
Openwood Plantation Garden Club