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Local kids celebrate with Santa

HOLIDAY SPIRIT — Lonnie Ewan, 3, of Wintersville spent some time with Frosty the Snowman and Wendy Vein, dressed as Mrs. Claus, during the 38th annual Ray Laman Christmas Party. -- Mark Law

WINTERSVILLE –About 50 children sang Christmas songs, danced and got a chance to meet Santa Claus on Saturday during the 38th annual Ray Laman Christmas Party at the Wintersville Fire and Rescue firehouse.

Pam Damis has been organizing the party for children for the past 30 years.

“I keep doing it for the kids. I’ll start tomorrow working on next year’s party. It takes a whole year to get ready” she said.

More than 60 sponsors donated money, coupons, candy and gifts for the party.

The party started in 1978 by Ray Laman when he was a member of the Lions Club, according to his son, Ed Laman.

“Christmas was really big for dad and we wanted to carry on the tradition. The first party was attended by only about a dozen kids.

“He would be happy to know how big it has gotten. There is a lot of work that goes into this,” Ed Laman said.

Damis became involved 30 years ago, when she assisted Village Councilman Gene Cerra, who took over after Laman died in 1991.

The party was named for Laman at that time.

Keesha Leeke, 9, of Wintersville attended the party for the first time with her mother, Katina Maple.

“I like the singing,” Leeke said.

Maple said her daughter brought home an announcement from school about the party and she asked her daughter if she wanted to attend.

Kenny Wells played the guitar and sang Christmas songs, asking children to join him playing different instruments. Other children danced to the music.

Marne Wilson of Steubenville has been coming to the party with her granddaughter, Tiana King, 4, of Steubenville for the past three years. King said she also enjoyed the singing and getting her picture taken with Rudolph and Frosty.

Wilson said she went to the party years ago when her children were young and decided to now bring her granddaughter.

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