NANAIMO — Santa Claus will be touching down in the Harbour City a little earlier this year, part of an annual holiday tradition.
Jolly Old Saint Nick will be landing in Nanaimo on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Harbour Air dock at 90 Front St., before making his way to his workshop for an extended stay to hear all the kid’s Christmas wishes.
The man behind the suit is Clark Garnett, or ‘Santa Clark’, a long-time local Santa who’s done the Harbout Air Santa fly-in for the last decade, and he said it’s been a great experience every single year.
“The turnout has been wonderful. Just really is exciting to see all the families and the kids waiting for Santa to arrive. I would say the last few years, there’s been in excess of over 200 families there greeting Santa when he arrives.”
Once Santa touches down, a small parade will escort him to his workshop at 78 Wharf St., behind Diana Krall Plaza, where he’ll be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to meet children free of charge, whether they’re naughty or nice.
Santa’s workshop will be open the following day, Sunday, Dec. 8th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
An excited crowd is always on hand to greet Santa when he flies into Nanaimo. Garnett was also Santa in a number of Nanaimo Christmas parades over the years. (Submitted)The following week will include a few special Santa experiences, including special needs night on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Garnett said it’s a perfect night for any youngster who may prefer a more relaxed environment.
“Anybody who’s needing a little extra time with Santa, maybe a little bit more of quiet environment, are more than welcome to come down on that night. They can move a little slower, things are a little quiet, but still get the same experience as every other child when they meet and greet with Santa.”
Thursday, Dec. 12 is pet night from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., where Garnett welcomes any four-legged friend who can fit into the workshop.
“We’ve had rats, lizards, snakes, spiders, dogs, cats, and goats in the past,” said Garnett. “Homesteading has become more popular over the last few years. I’ve been getting a lot of goats, chickens, rabbits, farm animals. If they could get them (cows and horses) in, I bet they would.”
Garnett said he’s had a number of local people and businesses step up to help in Santa’s workshop, but more elves are always needed.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact Ngire Rees with the Royal Bank of Canada’s Dominion Security at 250-390-7163.
The full list of Santa Clark’s availability throughout December, all free of charge. (Submitted)Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.
jordan@nanaimonewsnow
On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNOW
