Santa Claus will visit Wright City next week, a sign that Christmas is fast approaching. The Wright City Christmas Parade is making a return following a several-year hiatus. The parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, beginning at 6 p.m. at Ruge Park and ending at Diekroeger Park. The parade route, similar to the one used during Strassenbash, will travel down Elm and Second streets. Park Director Curt Kehoe is encouraging citizens to line the streets. "It was an old tradition," Kehoe said. "A lot of people asked why it got dropped. It's something I wanted to do since it happened. It turns out, everyone involved with it before wanted to do it again." The parade will feature the Wright City High School Wildcat Marching band and a variety of vehicles decorated in a Christmas theme. Entries are still being accepted, Kehoe said. Once the parade is finished, area youth can visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building. The event is free. "It's a good community event," Kehoe said. On Saturday, Dec. 5, area children will have the chance to enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa at the Wil Heiliger building. There is no charge for children 10 and under. The cost is $3 per person for children 11 and over. Photo opportunities with Santa will be available. Kehoe said both events are a chance to showcase the new park building that was completed earlier this year. "We have more room and the ability to bring in these types of events," he said. "This building is becoming a community building that it was mean to be." To enter the parade or for more information, contact Nancy Dingerson at the Wright City Chamber office at 636-745-7855. The events are sponsored by the Wright City Parks Department, Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce, Wright City Fire Protection District and the Wright City High School Student Council.