By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – Whether you have been naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming back to Bloomington this year.

The iconic Livingston’s Santa statue, that is, will have its return celebrated by the McLean County Museum of History, said Micaela Harris, the museum’s Director of Communications.

The museum will host a celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, to celebrate the Santa as well as future art plans. There will be a half-hour ceremony featuring music, biodegradable confetti and Santa himself, said Harris.

The 14-foot statue of Santa was created as a focal point of Livingston’s Department Store for three decades before closing down, and College Hills Mall then bought the Santa’s before selling them to Jeffery Alan’s store, she said.

Jeffery Wandell the owner of Jeffery Alans then donated the Santas and $10,000 to be restored. Local artist Andrew Jumonville took on the task of restoring the Santas and has completely restored one and has begun restoring the second, she said.

Harris said, The community, as well as many local organizations, have donated more than $78,000 of the needed $85,000 to completely restore and take care of the two Santas as giving continues into next year, and you can help with donations here.

“We’re grateful for the community support for this project. The journey has had many twists and turns but will all be worth it as this jolly and nostalgic giant returns to bring memories and renewed Christmas cheer,” said Norris Porter the Museum’s Director of Development

At the start of the new year, the Santa will be replaced with Herb Eaton’s “Cross Pollinated Lovers,” which is a large 11-foot corn statue erected in 2000, Harris said.

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