DECATUR - Bill Hagen's outgoing personality, jolly laugh and resemblence to Santa Claus was put to good use while he was stationed at a military base in Korea.

He brought smiles to many Korean children by playing Santa.

Today, Hagen, 56, still is playing Santa, along with a younger rival, for the city of Sullivan.

Not just anyone can play Santa. For many small towns in the area, it takes a special person to have that "ho ho ho" magic.

Justin "Bubba" Farris, 32, has been on the job for the past three years. He was hired by the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce to take over for the semi-retired Hagen as the town's Santa.

He rides on the back of a wagon pulled by horses decked in bells during the Christmas parade. He also spends a lot of time greeting children at the Santa House.

"My dad was Santa Claus for 10 years," said Farris, who grew up in Sullivan. His father also played Santa along with Hagen years ago.

"Once you got all the stuff on, most people don't know who you are," Farris added, and loves seeing all the children's faces light up when they see him.

When getting dressed and preparing for Santa, Farris makes sure he has every detail in place.

First, he glues on white bushy eyebrows over his dark ones. He then puts on the white wig, beard and-;red suit.

"It just comes down to what you say and do," he said, and how the children love it when he calls out their names.

The jolly laugh is still a work in progress.

"When it comes to the kids, Santa is Santa. Both of us do numerous things around town," he said, referring to Hagen.

Hagen said he just can't stop spreading the good cheer that only Santa can and continues making appearances at schools and parties around Sullivan and in Decatur.

He recalls being hired by Sullivan's Chamber to play Santa after getting out of the Army back in 1980.

"That first year, they gave me green apples to give out. Then my brother, Bob, and I decided to give out candy canes."

Hagen said it's a worthwhile experience to see all the expressions on children's faces.

But, he added, "The hardest thing is when kids ask you for things that you know they won't get because their parents don't have the money. There are so many families nowadays who don't have a lot, and it just touches your heart."

Oscar Lanter, 73, has been Santa Claus in Cerro Gordo for the past 14 years.

He is a widow and a veteran who served in the Air Force.

"I love watching the kids light up when they see me," Lanter said.

His favorite moment came when a 4-year-old took the time to sing "Jingle Bells" to him.

Lanter is constantly busy doing his Santa duties during the holiday season.

Even when riding his bicycle around town during the summer, he said some children still come up to him and ask if he is Santa.

"I don't say I am, and I don't say that I'm not," said Lanter, noting his natural white beard tends to give him away.

Tomas Cuellar, 62,-;dotes on being Santa Claus in Shelbyville.

The retired Marine used to own a candy store in the city's downtown.

He also attended Santa school and was trained to be Santa for a department store in Everett, Wash.

Cuellar said he really didn't start dressing up as Santa until four years ago. He did it to attract more children and families to the stores in downtown Shelbyville.

Now he makes appearances during Shelbyville's Festival of Lights event, at the schools and the local fire department's Christmas party.

Cuellar said the best part about being Santa is "watching the people smile and love talking to all the children."

It doesn't take him long to suit up in the extended belly strapped around his waist, he said. He then adds a dab of red rouge to his cheeks and nose for an added glow.

Argenta folks are proud to have both Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The duo, Phil Kimler and his wife, Lorie, have been playing the role for the past eight years.

On Christmas Eve, they ride in the fire truck with its sirens blaring through the neighborhoods and wave to the children who run out to greet them.

"It's enjoyable seeing all the kids of all ages," said Kimler, 51. "The residents support us and show their appreciation for what we do."

He said he grew up in Argenta and as a child used to watch Santa on the back of the fire truck come through the neighborhoods.

He feels it's an honor to carry on the tradition. The only thing different is that he added Mrs. Claus.

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