There weren’t throngs of kids eager to see Jolly Old St. Nick, but they can check out his first official visit to Cottage Grove on the city Facebook page.

The city held a virtual “tree lighting” ceremony Wednesday. In the COVID-19 pandemic, holiday decorations are going to be something that helps all of us put the virus in the back of our minds for just a moment to focus on the beautiful decorations around the community.

Santa got a special escort from the Cottage Grove Fire Department, with their lights flashing and sirens blaring as the truck pulled up to the government building on Ravine Parkway South.

“Merry Christmas!” he greeted Mayor Bailey as he jumped out of the front seat of the engine, of course wearing a mask. Santa, of course, needs to stay safe, as he has a busy month ahead!

Bailey took to the microphone to welcome “virtual” attendees of the event watching live on social media.

“I want to welcome everyone to the City of Cottage Grove, our official tree lighting,” Bailey said. “It’s obviously a year that’s different from the past. You can tell we don’t have a bunch of kids and choirs and things here. We’re making do with what we have.

“I want to make sure everyone remains safe during this holiday season. I want to share with you we do have Santa here with us. Santa is still making his rounds.”

Santa took off his mask so the community could see he was the real deal!

“Please stay safe,” he urged the community. “Enjoy your holiday seasons with your families.”

In Cottage Grove, with lighted trees as a backdrop, the city has a large Adirondack-style chair that will hold a family looking for the perfect place for a holiday photo. Bailey showed off the chair, built by city workers, and “selfie station.”

“We want you to come out as families. Get your picture taken on the big chair,” he said. “There are lots of lights here at City Hall. We do encourage everyone to come check them out.”

“I want to thank our Public Works department. They did a fantastic job of building this, so that Santa can sit with us for this event but for the general public to come out and have a seat in this chair,” Bailey continued. “I know it’s difficult. It’s the holiday season. There are things to be happy about and thankful for. We are thankful for our community. We’re thankful for all the people that make this our community. On behalf of myself, the whole city staff, the city council – and I think I can speak for Santa – I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Thanksgiving!”

Santa perched in the big chair like he was waiting for a line of kids to greet, but that’s going to have to maybe be on a Zoom call this year!

There’s one reason that Cottage Grove kids have a lot to be encouraged about with Santa’s big night just around the corner. We heard Santa say it himself!

“I love Cottage Grove,” he said.