SIDNEY -- Bass Pro/Cabela’s welcomed the holiday season Saturday with the arrival of Santa Claus. 

Santa arrived Saturday evening with the assistance of Sidney Firefighters and Bass Pro staff. He was transported to children and parents gathered at the main entrance of Bass Pro’s retail center. 

 “Tonight is the kickoff of our ‘Santa’s Wonderland.’ It is the arrival of Santa from the North Pole to the store,” said store manager Lee Wiegand.  

 The excitement made its way into the store where Santa lit the Christmas tree just inside the entrance. 

 From there, Santa and the crowd of children and adults made their way to the part of the store transformed into a Winter Wonderland. 

 “He comes in on a Tracker boat with fire department escort, and kicks off our holiday gift-giving season,” Wiegand said. 

 The afternoon included an opportunity meet Santa, enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies, and stories from Mrs. Claus. Free photos with Santa starts on Sunday, November 2.