On Saturday, Santa visited the Garretson School during Hometown Christmas, and pointed out to the Gazette that he had been visiting Garretson for 46 years.
"I started in 1977 when the Jaycees were taking pictures, this was before everyone had their own cameras," he said.
His roots in Garretson run deep. Garretson's Santa has always been known for his smiles, and is often called "Smiley" when he's out of his red suit.
Santa is known for being able to call children out by their names, their parents' names, or where they live, and Garretson's Santa is no exception. He's widened the eyes of many a young child when he says their name before asking what they would like for Christmas.
Here, Santa "Smiley" Steve Larson posed with his grandchildren Paisley and Luella during Hometown Christmas.
See more on Hometown Christmas here.
