KIRKLAND – The Greater Area Kirkland Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual Christmas in Kirkland on Dec. 1 at Alpine Bank. The Kirkland United Methodist Church sponsored a breakfast at the church with Christmas crafts available for children.

Santa gave treats out to children, grandchildren and adults who sat on his lap and told him whether they had been naughty or nice this year. Special music and holiday music was provided by the Hiawatha Schools Band under the direction of  Matthew Golloday and R & S Carriage Service provided free carriage rides courtesy of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce.

Jared Poynter, the principal of Hiawatha Elementary School, presented $25 checks to the winners of the art contest for grades K-3 and the essay contest for grades 4-8. Art contest winners were Aniaya Booker, kindergarten, Sara Manzano, first grade, Cole Brantley, second grade, and Evan Sarver, third grade. Essay contest winners were Erick Villamar, fourth grade, Lily Padilla, fifth grade, Taylor Meier, sixth grade, Nikki Kilcullen, seventh grade, and Nathan Taylor, eighth grade.