(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
That’s Vera the red-nosed person, fresh from the facepainting corner in the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Headquarters tent at California/Alaska today during the first of three special Sundays in The Junction. Though sunbreaks and rain waves traded places for much of the early afternoon, the Timberland WagonEars mule-drawn carriage did brisk (free) business, with people waiting patiently even when it got showery:

The carriage jingled through The Junction for four hours:

Here’s the driver’s-eye view:

The carriage rides skip next Sunday, but will be back in two weeks (on Sunday, December 16th). Someone you will find again next Sunday – Santa Claus!

6-year-old Harrison French came to City Mouse Studio (4218 SW Alaska) to show Santa his drawing of reindeer and Mr. Claus, as well as his Christmas wish:

(Click image for larger view)
And yes, inevitably there was the occasional little one who didn’t quite get the Santa concept:

That’s 22-month-old Elliott Secan. (P.S. While it was DIY photo time with Santa today, pro photographer Donna Ryan will be on hand the next two Sundays. Santa-photo proceeds benefit WestSide Baby!) Back outside and kitty-corner at Hometown Holidays Headquarters, hot cocoa awaited 9-year-old Amelia and 8-year-old Bailey Hermann

If you didn’t make it out today – or even if you did – don’t miss Hometown Holidays Sunday number 2 next weekend, 11 am to 3 pm in The Junction – and before then, you’re warmly welcomed at multiple Junction stores during Shop Late Thursday.