December 2, 2013 at 3:18 p.m.
Santa begins his Northwoods tour with stops in Tomahawk and Three Lakes
Santa begins his Northwoods tour with stops in Tomahawk and Three Lakes
Santa and Mrs. Claus made their first stop Friday evening at the Three Lakes Festival of Lights. The next day Santa made a solo trip to Tomahawk for the Winter Wonderland parade and festival.
Friday marked Santa's 19th time riding a Three Lakes fire truck into town for the ceremonial lighting of town's Christmas tree. After disembarking the truck he took his spot in a brightly lit gazebo to hear the wishes of eager boys and girls who lined up to sit on his lap.
The festival, and Santa's annual appearance, has become a marker for the Three Lakes community, highlighting the beginning of the holiday season.
"This is it, more than the snow, more than all the shopping things, this marks the beginning of Christmas," said Sheila Marken as she waited in line with her two boys.
"I don't know how they know it, but each year about a week or so out, the boys start asking when Santa's going to be coming this year. They love Thanksgiving and all of the food, but it seems to mark for them that Santa will be coming soon, so they always start to get their lists ready right after Thanksgiving dinner. It's become a little tradition of ours."
The children of Three Lakes wait all year long for Santa's visit.
"As soon as the snow starts to fall it's 'Santa's coming soon isn't he? When do we get to go see Santa?'" Tom Randall said. "If only their memories were this good when it comes to doing their chores, but then again, there's no better reminder to get your chores done than knowing Santa's coming soon and that he's keeping an eye on you."
Even those children who have grown up a bit still come out to celebrate Santa's arrival.
"The kids are older now, but we still come to see the tree get lit up and have some hot chocolate and cookies and spend time with our friends," said Tammy Stanski. "My kids may not be up sitting on his lap anymore, but it's still fun to see the joy in the little ones' eyes as soon as he gets out of that truck."
The scene was similar in Tomahawk Saturday as Santa took his usual position at the end of the winter parade before heading to the Rodeo Saloon for the third annual Winter Wonderland.
Like something straight out of the North Pole, the area behind the saloon was lit up and decorated exactly like a scene from a child's Christmas storybook come to life as the kids of the community lined up for their moment with Mr. Kringle.
"Just seeing their eyes light up as they make that face where you can tell they're just so excited they can't even make a noise, it makes it all worth it," said Phil Maple who was waiting with his daughters."Thankfully, it's not as cold this year, but even if it was, we'd be out here. They just love it. They've had their lists ready for a few weeks now. They see the snow and it's like, 'Oh boy, we'd better get ready, Santa's coming soon."
Hot chocolate and cookies kept the young ones warm and happy as they waited in line.
"I was going to save my cookie for Santa but I got hungry and ate it. I made him a drawing though so I hope he likes it," said little Karen Kazmarki as she waited to meet Santa. "I'm going to ask for a puppy and that's it. That's all I want. That's why I drew the puppy to let him know what kind of puppy I want."
Even with the appearance of Santa, for many in both Three Lakes and Tomahawk the winter festivals are more about spending time with family and friends and gearing up for the holidays than anything else.
"Our kids are grown now, and we don't have grandkids yet, but it's still fun to come out and see everyone," said Sue Thomas.
"Seeing their little faces light up with all the excitement of Christmas, it's such a wonderful thing."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.