Two exceptionally special elves will be your hosts on Saturday, December 9, when you come Ho Ho Ho Hiking with Santa and Buddy the Elf at The West Woods! For all who join in on the fun, a discovery hike will go out into the park from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., finishing up with time after the hike for hot chocolate and for Santa to pose for photos and accept wish lists from good little girls and boys. Registration is required at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 to attend. Is this popular program at capacity already? Don’t worry – although the early afternoon hike is nearly filled, please add your name to the waiting list if you are interested, as Santa and Buddy have already agreed to add another hike if enough good little girls and boys are signed up! Geauga Park District’s Santa and Buddy hikes debuted in 2015 and have been tremendously popular ever since. Chief Naturalist John Kolar, coordinator of these special visitors, said this year’s hike will investigate animal tracks and signs, plant and animal survival strategies, and the nature of snow and ice. “Buddy always has a blast with the kids, since he thinks Nature is soooo neat!” Kolar said. “And remember, Santa and Buddy have to pass through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, through the Sea of Swirly, Twirly Gumdrops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel just to be with us – so we are so very lucky to have them!” Activities will be partially stroller/wheelchair accessible. For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.