Snowstorm ushers Santa into Richmond

By Kate Richards

December 10, 2004 | RICHMOND -- Thick holiday snowflakes were falling the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, as community members gathered at the city park to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the annual lights-on party.

Around two dozen children and a puppy gathered to greet Santa Claus, who arrived on a truck from the fire department. The fire engine he usually rides on is out of commission due to a leaky tank.

Santa led the crowd in "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" before listening to the Christmas wishes of all the children and several adults. Requests ranged from candy canes to trampolines and Santa made sure the children would remember to leave treats out for him.

Leslie Erickson, the city council member over parks and recreation, said the lights-on tradition has been going for seven years and is put on by the Lion's Club. She said there are usually more people the years it isn't snowing, but she thinks the snow makes it more festive.

"These are Norman Rockwell flakes," she said. There were several impromptu snowball fights.

Richmond resident Beth Brown brought her three kids to the celebration to play in the snow and talk to Santa. "I think it's fun," she said.

When all who wanted to had a chance to sit on Santa's lap, he asked everyone to sing two more songs -- "Jingle Bells" again and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" --before starting the countdown to the lights coming on.

The park lit up right on cue, a "Seasons Greetings" banner and reindeer-pulled sleigh in the center.

Erickson said the lights started just in the trees, but every year more are added.

Santa wished everyone a Merry Christmas and rode away in the truck.

NW MK