WINDSOR – They came from all corners of the third-largest land mass county in North Carolina.

Last week, the citizens of Bertie County descended upon 102 North York Street to celebrate the Christmas season with an Open House at the Windsor-Bertie County Chamber of Commerce.

“We had a great turnout from the community,” said Chamber Executive Director Collins Cooper. “That food was excellent. Everyone indicated they were impressed with the food and fellowship.”

Cooper said he was also pleased because it was the first time Santa Claus paid a visit to the Chamber for the Open House festivities. The Jolly Old Elf had the opportunity to speak with both the young and the young at heart during the event.

Carriage rides were also provided at the event along with an evening of food and fun. They carriage rides were given by J.T. Hoggard and Roger Manning.

Those in attendance included town officials, county commissioners and representatives of the county school district as well many citizens.

“We want to thank everyone who came out and all the Chamber members who attended,” Cooper said. “We really appreciate their support. We also appreciate all the generous sponsors for their contributions as well as the work of Russ Russell and Martha Carter.”

The event was well received by many of those who attended.

Bertie County Commission Vice Chairman L.C. Hoggard III has been attending the event for several years and said he was pleased to be a part of the open house.

“It was very nice,” Hoggard said. “I have been attending the Christmas Open House since Collins began it a few years ago and it is always an enjoyable event.

“I appreciate everything Collins has done with the Chamber of Commerce,” he added. “I’m sure he would be the first to say it’s a team effort, but he has done so many things just like this that benefit our county and I appreciate his efforts.”

Windsor Mayor Jimmy Hoggard and his wife, Rita, were also among those who made their way to the open house.

“My wife and I enjoyed it a great deal,” the mayor said. “We were able to see people we don’t see every day and some that we see quite often. It was a good social event.”

The Windsor Mayor also said he appreciated the work Cooper does with the Chamber.

“Collins has done a great job with these types of events,” he said.

For his part, Cooper said these types of events would continue to be sponsored by the Chamber.

“”We are hoping to hold more of these types of events in the future,” he said. “We appreciate everyone who makes this possible.”