A South Bend Neighborhood Welcomes Santa  It is a South Bend
holiday tradition that started back in the mid-80's.  Neighbors
along Erskine Boulevard hold a candlelight walk and tonight was
the night.  With nearly 3,000 luminaries lining the south side
neighborhood, about 80 families were involved in putting out the
candles.  Santa was a popular visitor to tonight's walk.  He
arrived by fire truck and received hugs from children in
exchange for handing out candy.  Dennis Fountain, a resident in
the neighborhood said, "You know, when there's no snow how is
Santa gonna get into South Bend? We made arrangements with the
fire department to bring Santa in so the kids would be able to
see Santa."  The annual Erskine Boulevard candlelight walk
involves nine blocks of families.