Ames Couple Opens House to the Public to Display Over 3,300 Santas

Local couple has been opening their home for 3 years. All proceeds go to the Beloit Residential Treatment Center.

Ames, Iowa -- Harry & Barbara Budd have been opening their home, at 907 Burnett in Ames, to the public for three years now. The annual Santa House, which displays over 3,300 Santas, was started due to the many requests the couple received to see their Santas. Visitors can look forward to additional Santas in a new room that has been added this year.

The Budds have been collecting Santas for over 35 years. Their collection includes almost anything you can imagine. They have cookie cutters, figurines, toys, dishes, stamps, golf items, and many, many others. The Budds have been in every state except Alaska and have brought back Santa souvenirs from the places they have been.

The couple states one of the reasons they do this is because, There is a lot of joy watching the faces of children when they arrive and see all of the Santas." The Ames Jaycees help the couple set up each year and also give tours when the house is open. The couple donates 100% of proceeds from this event to the Beloit Residential Treatment Center of Ames, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Iowa.

The Santa House opens for tours December 2, 2002 through December 15, 2002. Times are: M-F 6:00pm-9:00pm, Sat. 1:00pm-4:00pm & 6:00pm-9:00pm, Sun. 12:00pm-3:00pm & 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Cost: $3.00 per person (Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult)

Daytime tours for groups of 10-25 can be arranged, while space is available. Please call 515-233-0510 to arrange a private tour.

For more information, pictures or interview call Harry or Barbara Budd at 515-233-1635.

The Ames Jaycees is an active organization for men and women, ages 21-39, with a focus on community involvement, social interaction and personal development. For more information about the Ames Jaycees, contact President Johanna Benson at 956-4272 or visit its website at www.amesjaycees.com.