From tiny babes in sleepers to excited tweens, a long line of children awaited their turn to share their Christmas wishes with old Saint Nick on Tuesday at Beeland Park.

The occasion was the Greenville Kiwanis Annual Christmas Party, and the hearty meal, cheery decorations on the stage and holiday tunes wafting through the loud speakers set the festive tone for the event, even before the man in red and white made his appearance.

A total of 30 youngsters shared their wish list and Child Welfare Services and DHR passed those wishes on the Kiwanians, who played Santa’s helpers to shop for all the children at Wal-Mart.

Key Club members from Greenville High School assisted in shepherding the youth on and off the stage for their visit with Santa, and with handing out the bags full of goodies to the children afterwards.

One excited young man, who had shared his wish for a bicycle with Santa only moments before, beamed and pumped his fist in the air to applause as he wheeled his brand-new bicycle back to his seat.

“We want to thank everyone who made this possible,” said Kiwanian Susan Rhodes.

“Bill McCrary and Frieda Fountain of Wal-Mart are absolutely vital to this project, along with Rosalind Cook and Jennifer Hartley of DHR, Kiwanians Susan Murphy and Kenny Harrell and everyone who played a part in this day. We hope everyone had a wonderful time and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”

Funds raised by the annual Kiwanis Butler County Fair go to charitable projects such as the annual Christmas Party.