Santa Claus and Clydesdales arrive at AMA Sportsmen’s Association

Santa Claus arrives at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association Sunday morning as part of the club’s annual Christmas party.

Santa and his elves stopped by the AMA Sportsmen’s Association to visit with children and families on the weekend.

The AMA Sportsmen’s Association held its annual Christmas party for its members last Sunday with the feature attraction being the arrival of Santa Claus around the noon hour. Coming down Lowes Side Road via Clydesdale horses and a wagon, provided by Wismer Clydesdales, Santa and his elves turned into the club where they went inside and distributed gifts to the children inside.

Santa and his elves arrived at the club after coming down Lowes Side Road and into the parking lot with the aid of Clydesdale horses and a wagon provided by Wismer Clydesdale of Amherstburg. Children of members received a present, a hot dog, pop and chips as part of the party.

“We do it every year,” explained AMA Sportsmen’s Association president Rod Ferriss, of their Christmas party. “All the kids get hot dogs, pop, chips and gifts from Santa.”

Ferriss thanked Wismer Clydesdales for their assistance, as well as the Canadian Tire store in Amherstburg for helping with gifts for the children.

“The gifts have been wrapped by our volunteers at the club,” said Ferriss. “We always have extra presents. We never turn a child away.”

There were approximately 200 people in attendance last Sunday, with about 124 children and youth signed up to get a gift. Children and youth had to be related to a member in order to be eligible to receive a gift.

Charlotte Ross of Amherstburg receives a gift from Santa Claus during the Christmas party held last Sunday at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association. Over 120 children were registered to receive a gift.

“It’s a wonderful day for the club to see everyone come out and enjoy a day with their children and their grandchildren,” said Ferriss. “It’s one of the best benefits of being a member of the club.”

The AMA Sportsmen’s Association holds youth programming throughout the year, with this season featuring archery on Monday nights and air rifle on Wednesday nights. The club hosts its annual turkey shoot Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. with the community welcome to try its air rifle skills. 

The AMA Sportsmen’s Association is located at 468 Lowes Side Road. For more information, call 519-736-5706, e-mail info@amasportsmen.com or visit www.amasportsmen.com. 

Santa Claus and Clydesdales arrive at AMA Sportsmen’s Association

By Ron Giofu