Heavy hearts at Santaland

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - At Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, the annual Santa Land returned for the holiday season.

The event always has had activities catered toward families, but this year's opening is done so with heavy hearts as many families have Connecticut's tragedy weighing on their minds.

Chuck Sears from Kenmore says, "You never think that someone could victimize children like that. It's disgusting, it's offensive. As a father, I couldn't imagine what those parents were thinking. You never ever would dream about being in that situation where you send your kids to school and they never come back. You would think that's a place they would be safe and you don't have to worry about some sort of chaotic event like that ."

Twenty of the victims were children under 10-years old. The images, shown everywhere on Friday were still very visible to those with their children on Saturday.

David Cronk from Hamburg says, "It was horror. Ultimately it's the worst thing you could deal with. It's really sad to imagine what those families are going through."

"Just thinking about all the poor children who were there. You just can't help but think about how lucky you are to have your children and have them with you safe. Your heart just goes out to all those other families, especially during the holidays," said Colleen Kingsbury of Williamsville.

That's what made events like this one so important. As you looked around, you could definitely see many parents holding their children close. No doubt thankful to be with them.