News Photo by Darby Hinkley The staff of Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet in Alpena is ready to welcome guests to Cookies with Santa on Saturday. Pictured, from left, are Jamie Anschuetz-Gohlke, general manager, Bruce Anschuetz, owner, and Steve Jakubcin, salesman. Sitting in front is Maddie, the friendly dealership dog. The pictured kiddie Camaros on either side of the Christmas tree will go to two lucky winners on Saturday when a children’s prize drawing will be held.

ALPENA — Cookies, cocoa, coffee, and … Santa!!! That’s what you’ll get if you stop into Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday in Alpena.

Children of all ages, and even dogs, are welcome to get their photos taken by professional photographer and Cliff Anschuetz salesman Steve Jakubcin during the special event, which is free to the community.

Salesman Matt Seguin made the backdrop that will be used behind Santa in the photos.

If you are bringing your dog, please use a leash and bring them toward the tail end of the event.

The cookies will be by Hannah Matke, and the coffee will be from Cabin Creek Coffee in Alpena. There will also be hot cocoa and a prize drawing.

“We have two ride-on Camaros for little tikes,” said Jamie Anschuetz-Gohlke, general manager.

“It’s a kids’ drawing,” said Cody Lancaster, used car manager.

Anschuetz-Gohlke is excited to host the event for the community.

“This is our third year doing it, and every year we’ve done it, it grows into something more,” she said. “We have little tables set up for the kids, and they can write a letter to Santa. And they can stick it in our little Santa mailbox, and we send them out to the North Pole.”

She explained why they are hosting the event.

“We just wanted to do something to give back to people in the area, and spread holiday cheer,” Anschuetz said. “And, the best way to do that is Santa Claus. Everybody wants their selfie with Santa.”

Jakubcin looks forward to seeing all the smiles on the children’s faces on Saturday.

“It’s an opportunity to give back,” he said. “Last year, we had a really good turnout, too.”

“He won’t say, but he’s an amazing photographer, and he puts a lot of work into this whole event,” Anschuetz-Gohlke said of Jakubcin.

She added that credit goes to the whole Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet team for making this event possible.

This is a free event, but donations will be accepted and given to a local charitable organization.