More than 3,000 people from across 40 states - and one from Switzerland - made their way to the Ozarks for Bass Pro’s marathon weekend.

The Bass Pro Shops in St. Augustine is moving toward opening with St. Johns County issuing permits for exterior signage Oct. 28. The new store is under construction at 355 World Commerce Parkway, south of Buc-ee’s and Costco Wholesale. It is west of Interstate 95 at the International Golf Parkway exit south of World Golf Village.

As the holidays approach those who want to get their wish list to the North Pole have the opportunity to chat with Santa at Bass Pro Shop. Santa made his grand entrance on a TRACKER boat and kicked off Santa’s Wonderland Saturday afternoon.

The Bass Pro Shops store in Council Bluffs will continue its annual tradition of hosting Santa's Wonderland. Starting Saturday with an arrival parade at 5 p.m., Santa's elves will set up shop at the store at 2901 Bass Pro Drive near the Mid-America Center.