Depot Museum gets a visitor from North Pole

The Shafter Depot Museum hosted Santa Claus on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to get their picture taken with the jolly old fellow. Santa greeted the children and sat with them for a picture as he asked them what they had on their Christmas wish list. Attendees were also treated to an array of refreshments.

The attendees also had a chance to wander the museum, looking at the variety of exhibits, as well as the entries in the museum's Christmas Tree Contest, where clubs and organizations decorate trees displayed through December.

Those who tour the museum can vote for their favorite trees. The theme this year is "A Recipe for Christmas," with all of the trees decorated with different recipes, from old standards such as chocolate chip cookies and breads, to tamales.

Lynnda Martin of American Refuse decorated the company's entry using all recycled materials. The tree was adorned with silver, glittery used Keurig cups, clothespins, bottle caps, and many other recyclable materials that was turned from trash to treasures.

The Shafter Youth Center had children write out their favorite recipes, like cookies, candy and other goodies. They also had handmade ornaments on the tree. There was also the tree decorated by the Community Bible Study group, with members placing their favorite ornaments.

The Shafter Press tree, decorated by Erica Soriano, featured old newspapers, as well as the recipe for tamales. An 80-year-old blanket covered the base of the tree

All of the trees will be on display through December, with the winners being announced after the first of the year. The museum is open on Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.