Published: November 17, 2009 08:36 am      

North Pole Corbin

Finishing touches being placed on Santa’s new home

By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

The smell of fresh wood stain lingered in a secret downtown Corbin location Monday where workers are putting the finishing touches on Santa’s new Corbin home.

When finished, the house will be moved to Nibroc Park so Santa can receive visitors from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday during the Christmas Open House.

Corbin Main Street Manager Sharae Myers said the new house is much more elaborate than the one Santa has occupied in prior years.

Children can also deposit letters to the Jolly Old Elf in a giant red mailbox at the park. Those children who include a return address will get a response from Santa.

“The goal is that it’s just magical,” Myers said.

Parents can opt to have their children’s photo taken with Santa. As a fundraiser for the Knox-Whitley County Animal Shelter, people with pets can have their pets photographed with the North Pole’s most famous celebrity.

Adults who attend the open house can visit 10 businesses that will open their doors.

Vittorino Italian Ristorante and Moonbow Coffee House will be open for lunch. Visitors can enjoy a harpist and refreshments at Cumberland Valley National Bank as well as a bake sale, refreshments and a sing-along with Charlie Humfleet at Whitaker Bank.

Other participating businesses include Alan’s Gallery, Alley Stuff, Gibson’s Music, Maggie J’s, McBurney Designs and House of S&J.