Downtown Milford Inc. is sponsoring Santa’s House and the Third Annual Holiday Stroll to celebrate the holiday season and to highlight to the town’s center.

It has taken a community effort to prepare for the arrival of Santa via fire truck to Santa’s House at 11 a.m. Nov. 29, according to Santa’s House coordinator and DMI Board member Beverly French.

City public works staff members have given Santa’s House a new coat of paint and will deliver it to its location on the Riverwalk at South Walnut St. in Downtown Milford, volunteers at Heritage at Milford’s assisted living community and the Milford Senior Center have made and stuffed about 1,200 stockings to be given to children visiting Santa, she said.

“It goes on and on and on in the number of people it takes to make this a successful endeavor,” French said.

Children visiting Santa’s House will have the chance to share their wish lists and chat with Santa. Each child will receive a stocking filled with candy, a candy cane, a free picture with Santa and the chance to enter four weekly drawings for a $100 savings bond.

“The entire experience if free, but we do accept donations as the children come through,” French said. “It’s such an exciting day. The little faces are so bright with anticipation as they are waiting.”

Santa’s House has been a Milford tradition since at least 1945, French said.

In recent years, the children’s wish lists have included everything from toys to a new sibling.

“Their stories and requests are just precious,” French said. “We’ve had some ask for a new baby brother or sister. We had a grandmother come through and say, ‘Hey Santa, you could bring a new husband for me. It’s touching to see the families. It’s just such a warm experience.”

From Santa’s arrival until he leaves town on Dec. 21, Santa’s House will be open to visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

During the Holiday Stroll being held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, take horse-drawn wagon rides and sample treats at Downtown businesses.

Visitors will be able to stroll along the Riverwalk with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus from 5 to 6 p.m. or visit the jolly couple in the Santa House from 6 to 8 p.m.

Featured entertainment will20include performances by the Milford Christmas Carol Band, Jesus Love Temple and First Presbyterian Church.

The Second Street Players will perform “The Homecoming,” a winter comedy at 8 p.m. in the Riverfront Theater, and in addition the Delmarva Miniature Horse Club will have an exhibition in a location just off the Riverwalk.

Adding to the Holiday Stroll excitement, visitors will get to cast votes for their favorite decorated window or building as part of the Downtown Business Decorating Contest.

People’s Day will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 6.

For more information about holiday events being held by Downtown Milford Inc., contact executive director Beth Durham at 839-1180 or visit group group’s Web site at www.downtownmilford.org.