LaPorte’s beloved giant Santa, and more, usher in the Christmas season

LaPorte Street Department workers heave-ho to erect a nearly 30-foot Christmas tree in front of the historic LaPorte depot building. The tree, from Dudeck’s Farm in Rolling Prairie, was purchased through a donation from American Licorice.

PHOTOS BY BOB WELLINSKI

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

Not many communities feature an 18-foot waving Santa. But he’s been a jolly icon in LaPorte for more than 4 decades, and he’s standing once again in his hallowed spot on the courthouse lawn for the 2013 holiday season.

City of LaPorte workers erected the historic giant Santa, a big Christmas tree and more on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, to prepare the city for the holiday season.

Here are Bob Wellinski’s photos of city workers decking the “halls” on Nov. 15. For information on the upcoming Santa Parade and more, click on the following WNLP link:

http://www.whatsnewlaporte.com/2013/11/12/santa-will-return-to-laporte-in-just-a-few-weeks-join-in-the-fun/

LaPorte’s iconic giant Santa waves once again from the courthouse lawn.

LaPorte Park and Recreation Dept. employees Kyle Lukac and Mark Lockhart hang two of 104 wreaths downtown.

The tree from Dudeck’s is delivered in front of the depot.