OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee Kiwanis Club didn’t let the pandemic restrictions stop their annual Santa in the Park visits this year. Clad in a new outfit (based on the costume from the “Christmas Chronicles” movies), Santa once again visited with kids in Flagler Park, on State Road 70, on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Children were invited to come and see Santa, but instead of sitting on his lap, they were directed to sit on a box 6 feet away in front of the man in the red suit. Once they were seated, the children were encouraged to remove their face masks long enough for the photographer (also 6 feet away) to snap a photo.

The kids took the new procedures in stride and didn’t seem to mind the change. Those who are cautious of strangers even seemed more comfortable sitting in front of Santa instead of in his lap.

From a safe distance, the kids told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. They had to speak up instead of whispering in his ear, which parents seemed to appreciate as they could also hear the kids’ wish lists.

The pavement in front of the park bandstand was marked with tape at 6-foot intervals for those waiting in line, and a steady stream of kids kept lining up to visit Santa on Tuesday night. Tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 23) is the last night to see Santa in Flagler Park, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Kiwanis Club will provide free photos of the kids with Santa. Donations are accepted.