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KATONAH, N.YRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his compatriots are usually at the North Pole this time of year, hogging the publicity as they gear up for the biggest day and night of their year. Noelle and Figgly, lesser known maybe, but just as real, made their way to Westchester this week to visit the Country Childrens Center in Katonah.
The center has five locations, with two of them in Katonah. The reindeer, fittingly, make the appearance at the The Farm location, and their visit is in its 16th year. From Buffalo, the reindeer trekked to see the children from Wednesday through Thursday, entertaining those in the spirit of Christmas, the holidays, and bringing to life childrens imagination. The event was meant to mimic the childrens story, "The Polar Express".
It was a lot of fun. It makes what they believe in come to life for them. Watching their various reactions, they warmed up to them pretty easily, said Bill Dandreano, the centers administrative assistant.
The reindeer acted as the hot ticket for the event, although the barn at the center also caught the kids attention as well.
The toddlers especially loved it when we decorated the barn, there are many things at their height to play with, said Noreen Cotter, the site director at the Katonah location for over 26 years. We had a polar bear and a Santa who sing, a Christmas tree with all the decorations made by kids over the years. Its a great time.
The two days brought a whirlwind of excitement to the young children, as they themselves are getting prepared for the holiday season. But Dandreano knows that the event, while exhilarating, is just another way for the center to give the children a valuable experience.
Ultimately, were here to provide a service for the parents, and to make sure they know their kids are having a safe, encouraging, educationally fun time at the center, he explained. To be able to something like that just adds to the overall experience for the parents leaving their children here and for the children being here.
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