Friday night, November 24th, was a cool crisp evening when the April Sound Civic Association sponsored the annual evening with Santa and the lighting of the big tree on the Reserve F property in front of the Country Club. ASCA volunteers had worked to set up lights in the trees, Santa’s platform and bench with decorated trees around, and the snow machine was set up to waft “snow” into the air throughout the whole evening. Lighted garland on stakes marked the waiting line for visiting with Santa. Tables were set up under tents for cookies furnished by ASCA, along with the membership table, and the fabulous Santa’s mailbox created by a volunteer was ready for the children to mail their letters to Santa. The Country Club furnished hot chocolate and even offered marshmallows for those who wanted them. All through the evening DJ Dino Caldera played all the favorite holiday songs that could be heard over the whole area.
By 6 p.m. there was quite a crowd gathered. As the parents waited in the line and visited among themselves, many of the children were frolicking in the snow and, as it settled to the ground, had fun gathering handfuls and putting it on themselves or chasing each other with it. Promptly at 6, there was special music, “Here Comes Santa Claus”, flashing lights of the Security escort appeared on the Boulevard, and excitement grew as everyone realized Santa was arriving. Santa Nate, who is the best Santa ever, and his favorite elf, were driven by Keith Lucke in his decorated red convertible. When Santa stepped out of the car, there was a count-down, the magic lever was pushed, and the big tree came aglow. Then, Santa got settled on his bench and began his visits with all the children and families. There was a photographer taking photos of each family as they posed with Santa, and those are posted on the ASCA Facebook page. As each visit ended, Santa’s elf gave each child a candy cane.
The Santa mailbox was very busy all evening. I had asked the committee if I could be the person watching over that, and special candy cane pens were ordered at my request. I had so much fun helping each young one get started on his or her letter to Santa. There was a fancy page provided for each child to write, but some chose to bring their own. The forms asked if you had been a) mostly nice (nobody’s perfect!) or b) sometimes naughty (but I’m trying really hard.) Lucas wrote: “I have tribe to be good this year – I can inproof.” From reading a lot of the letters before sending them on to Santa, I think he needs to stock up on all things soccer and all things Barbie!
Each of those who have paid their 2023 ASCA dues was entered in a drawing, and Santa gave out some nice prizes. ASCA thanks all who participated in making another wonderful family event enjoyed by many.
Ann Marie Ricci may be reached at jamricci@consolidated.net.
