According to reliable sources, Santa Claus will take time from his busy schedule to make his traditional pre-Christmas visit to the John Blue House in Laurinburg this Saturday. The man in red is scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. and will depart at 5 p.m. Santa will meet with visitors inside the house.

John Stewart of the Scotland County Historical Properties Commission arranged this year's event.

"Due to the tremendous response in past years, Santa has decided to increase the amount of time he can stay in Laurinburg," Stewart said. "He didn't want any of the children of Scotland County to miss his appearance, so he has offered to extend his hours in order to accommodate everybody."

Historical Properties Commission member Beacham McDougald will be coordinating photographs of Santa with his young visitors.

"Photographs with Santa can be made for a $5 contribution and will include a color photo of each child who poses with him," McDougald said. "Photographs will be developed on site. Parents and grandparents my also use their own cameras to capture their young ones' visit if they prefer."

The John Blue Cotton Blossom Polar Express Railroad will also be giving train rides around the half-mile track located on site to everyone who visits Santa.

"The Historical Properties Commission is indebted once more to Santa's helper, Monty Brigman of Snead's Ferry, for arranging to get Santa during his busy pre-Christmas schedule," McDougald said.

The Scotland County Historical Properties Commission is an appointed group of volunteers who oversee the maintenance and improvements of the historic John Blue Complex, the Scotland County Museum, and the Gill House.

The John Blue House is located at 13040 Xway Road in Laurinburg.