AURORA, Ill., July 19, 2019—Santa Claus is coming to Aurora.

The jolly old elf, portrayed by Paul Eggert of Aurora, will visit Banana Split, Inc. ice cream parlor, 820 Church Rd. in Aurora, Tuesday through Thursday, July 23-25. He will hear holiday wishes and pose for photos after 7 p.m. each day. Eggert is an active Methodist layman at Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora.

The public is invited. Meetings with Santa are free.

His visit highlights an eighth annual Christmas in July fundraiser for the Aurora Corps Salvation Army unit. On Tuesday, the Salvation Army brass band will play holiday favorites before Santa’s visit.

The event will kick off the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive. A kettle will be on hand to receive donations. Donors of new, unwrapped toys will receive a “Banana Buck” discount coupon.

Sitting on a bench in front of a homemade elf house, Santa (Paul Eggert of Aurora), in full winter red suit with furry trim and natural white beard, will return to hear gift requests and pose for photos.

An employee costumed as an elf will assist Santa.

Randy and Lisa Brown, store co-owners, said they will decorate the shop inside and out with lighted yule trees and other decorations.

Randy Brown added, “We will tweak the shop’s menu to include seasonal treats and flavors. Past concoctions included gingerbread flurries, Buddy the Elf sundaes and candy cane premium pints.”

For more information call 630-896-8680.

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Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.