AGAWAM – Santa is typically associated with cookies and milk. However, the Agawam Junior Women’s Club is shaking that up with their annual Sundaes with Santa and Mrs. Claus event at Agawam Junior High School on Dec. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For 26 years, the Agawam Junior Women’s Club has hosted their event with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Previously, the event was a breakfast, but has evolved to become a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae social for guests. Children receive an ice cream sundae and can choose their own toppings. For those with lactose intolerance, a dairy-free option will also be available. For adults, coffee will be served.

This year, Hood will donate milk and Friendly’s Ice Cream will donate sundae cups for the event.

Donna Shibley, who is co-chair for Sundaes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, has enjoyed being a part of the annual holiday celebration.

“We have support from local businesses and enjoy doing this for the community,” she told Reminder Publishing.

This year, the Agawam Family and Community Program will donate a free holiday book for children and host a Story Walk. Agawam Family and Community Program will blow up images from the book into large posters so that children may walk with their families and view the story. Children will have the opportunity to have their book autographed by Santa or Mrs. Claus.

Children are welcome to bring letters for Santa. Letters with a return address will receive a personal response. There will also be a toy raffle with a boy and girl themed toy. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each and can be used for a chance to win the toy of their choosing.

Shibley believes that the Sundaes with Santa and Mrs. Claus event is a memorable way for children to celebrate Christmas.

“There’s so many Santa events in town. We have been doing this for years. We have the best Santa and Mrs. Claus,” she said. “They take the time to chat with kids and are wonderful. They volunteer their time for us.”

Volunteers such as members of the Agawam Junior Women’s Club, family friends and the National Honor Society of Agawam High School donate their time to making sure the party goes off without a hitch.

Each year, Shibley joyously watches as children who used to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus grow up and bring their children.

“We have families come with their young children and now the ones who were the young children are bringing their kids, and that’s a wonderful thing to see,” Shibley said.

Shibley and the Agawam Junior Women’s Club welcomes everyone to come take part in a unique and fun holiday afternoon.

“We appreciate the Agawam Family and Community Program for their support and are happy to have so much support.” Shibley added, “It’s a nice community event and a relaxing event.”

Admission is $5 for children and $3 for adults. The entrace fee includes one picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets can be purchased at the door at Agawam Junior High School, 1305 Springfield St. the day of the event.