Stephen Kindland, Times-News correspondent
MILLS RIVER – Santa Claus came to town Saturday, bringing smiles to the faces of people of all ages as he rode atop a Mills River Fire and Rescue truck on a tour through neighborhoods that lasted seven hours.
The special event was planned and coordinated by Mills River Town Manager Daniel Cobb and town Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Sweat to help lift the spirits of residents who have endured the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past 10 months.
“It’s been a challenging year,” Cobb said. “A lot of places are not able to have their typical winter festivals or come-out-and-meet-Santa type of events. We thought it would just be something fun for the community to show that Mills River cares and Mills River wants to spread a little bit of joy and cheer throughout town.”