Santa's helper to appear in Trumann parade

Special elf Paul Wince tries on his Santa outfit in preparations for Thursday's Trumann Christmas parade. He is assisted by Sundra Porter .(Submitted photo)

Trumann Mayor Sheila Walters has received word from Jolly Old Saint Nick that a special elf will represent him at Thursday's Christmas Parade.

Walters said Paul Wince will be atop a city fire truck as Santa to assist the jolly one this holiday season.

Paul Wince is a Blytheville native who works with Chris Cringle through Abilities Unlimited in Jonesboro. He lives in Trumann with his care taker Sadie Hisaw. Wince, 46, is developmentally delayed.

He's had a lifelong dream to dress up as Santa, be in the parade and toss candy to children.

Thursday, he gets his chance!

Wince was unavailable for comment, but Hisaw said he is extremely excited about helping Santa on Thursday.

"He is just like a child," Hisaw said. "This is just something he's always wanted to do. Dress up as Santa and be around kids and hand out candy. He is very excited about getting to be in the parade."

Sundra Porter is his implementer through Abilities Unlimited. Porter will assist Wince atop the fire truck as he tosses candy.

Walters said she was happy to be able to make Wince's dream come true and looks forward to seeing him at the parade.