Ivy Woodling gets ready to bowl with her grandmother, Jennifer Henderson, during the Elks Children's Christmas Party Saturday at Family Bowlaway in Butler Township.

BUTLER TWP — The Butler Elks Children's Christmas Party is a long standing tradition of 25 years within the organization, and it came back strong Saturday afternoon after a year off due to COVID-19.

Elks members, their children and grandchildren attended the event at Family Bowlaway Fun Center, where kids and adults alike were able to bowl, eat, meet Santa and receive a bag of goodies to ring in the season.

Jane Prokopchak, the Elks member who began the event back in the 1990s, said her favorite part of the day is watching the children meet Santa.

“The smiles on the kids' faces when they see Santa is so sweet,” Prokopchak said.

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