Santa's coming back to town on Saturday, Dec. 7. His visit, sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place at the Shannon Theatre from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
As an added feature, Greg's Pharmacy will take complimentary photos of all youth on Santa's lap.
If you miss Santa this Saturday, no problem, he's returning on Saturday, Dec. 14, for one final visit. On the 14th he'll be in the lobby of First National Bank.
During his Nov. 23 visit, the Icon talked with Santa about lots of Christmas-related things. Here's part of that conversation.
You travel all over the globe. How do you do it?
By reindeer. But, you need to know that reindeer only fly on Christmas Eve.
We know you as Santa. What are your names in other countries?
I’m also known as Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, St. Nick, and many other names.
What do you do on Dec. 25?
I have a late breakfast with Mrs. Claus. Then we spend Christmas morning with family and friends.
How many suits do you have? Do you dress differently in differ countries?
Most people in the United States think of Santa like the Santa in the Coca Cola ads. But I dress differently all over the world. I started wearing my red suit in the 1860s thanks to a newspaper cartoon drawn by Thomas Nast. In warmer climates I wear vests and an open jacket. Some places I wear a cape. I literally have hundreds of gloves.
What typical requests do you receive?
Well, boys usually have long lists, written out. Sometimes these are five pages or longer. Sometimes they have pictures showing items.
Girls are different. They tend to explain things they are hoping for.
What are the tough requests you hear?
I want to make all children happy, but that’s not always easy. It’s tough when a child tells me that Mom or Dad needs a job, or that the family needs a home. I never make promises.
What do adults ask for?
A Cadillac, a husband or a wife, a diamond ring or a million dollars. I tell them that it’s illegal for my elves to make money.
Where exactly is the North Pole?
The North Pole is in your imagination. The truth is in believing in the spirit of giving, of happiness and friendship.
Well, Santa, thanks for talking with us and have yourself a merry little Christmas.
