Santa Claus visits Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Batman and Hot Wheels are the most popular toys requested by children, according to expert toy-maker Santa Claus.

As a man who takes gift requests directly from youth, Santa Claus should know.

“I got two requests for Spiderman suits, and one request for a (toy oven),” he added.

Santa visited the Big Bend Community College Learning Center/Child Care Tuesday, where he was met by infants and toddlers.

College Board of Trustees member Felix Ramon acted on behalf of Santa.

Ramon said the best part of his job is the excitement of the children.

The most challenging part?

“Trying to make them all smile instead of making them cry,” he said. “Making them all smile, and keeping your beard on as they grab it.”

Belena Benavidez, 4, said she asked Santa for a cupcake maker for Christmas.

“Because I can make everyone cupcakes,” Benavidez said.

Trenten Likes, 4, said he asked for a black Spiderman suit.

Dylan Frueh, 3, asked for racecars. He said he plans to drive them. Using his hands and sound effects, Frueh demonstrated crashing the cars into one another.

Childcare Manager Angela Weber said it is the second time Santa visited the center. Weber said the children look forward to the visit.

“They’re very excited,” she said.

Preschool Classroom Specialist Chelsea Ayers said the children in the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program sang “Jingle Bells” to Santa.

All week they practiced for the big event, Ayers said.

“(They were) so excited,” she said. “They fought over the jingle bells, definitely. They were very anxious to practice every day.”