The exhibit known as Santas Around the World opened Thursday to the public at 1223 Main Street. Twenty-four life sized Santas, representing countries and regions from around the world, appear in a winter wonderland of lighted trees and festive holiday décor in downtown Great Bend. 

Additionally, the City of Great Bend provides a free opportunity for Santa Claus to visit with children at the exhibit location during the same regular hours that the Santas exhibit is open to the public.

The public can visit the international Santa display from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. People can schedule appointments outside of those hours by calling Mike at Rosewood Creations (620) 792-2536, info@rosewoodservices.com. The Santas exhibit will be on display through Dec. 24. Santa Claus may not be available at the exhibit on Christmas Eve, as he prepares for his big night.

There is no charge to visit the exhibit, but a freewill donation is suggested to provide funds to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation that go toward helping to maintain the Santas Around the World exhibit.

The Santas exhibit is presented by Roots & Wings Foundation, which provides therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities.

The multi-cultural Santas are a collection that span six years of work and artistry by Great Bend artist Loretta Miller, beginning in 1999. The Santas have gained state and national recognition since their creation. Arts & Entertainment Network even featured Miller’s Santas in a 2003 holiday special, titled “Ultimate Holidaytown USA.”

People can find out more about the exhibit by visiting the new website, SantasAroundTheWorld.com. Follow on atwww.facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld.