By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through Needle Hall, children waited to see Santa behind the plastic wall. Masks were worn by everyone with care, in hopes that all would avoid COVID there.
Like much of 2020, Santa’s visit to Bowling Green children on Saturday was different this year. No one sat on Santa’s lap or whispered in his ear. But St. Nick was there, listening very carefully to hear the wishes from the other side of the precautionary plastic.
Five-year-old Jensyn Meyer had already put in her gift request to Santa Claus at Levis Commons. But on Saturday, when Santa showed up in Bowling Green City Park, Jensyn didn’t want to take any chances.
“I want a Queen Anna hair head,” Jensyn said in a very serious tone. Her mom, Monica, explained that the toy allows children to style the hair of Queen Anna from the animated movie “Frozen.”
“We just wanted to remind him,” Jensyn’s father, Brad, said of doubling down on Santa visits.
And as an added precaution, the family was headed from City Park to the post office in Rudolph to mail a letter from Jensyn to Rudoph and the other reindeer before their big night.
“I hope you pull the sleigh really good,” she said of her message to the reindeer. Plus, if further motivation was needed, Jensyn dangled the promise of carrots when the reindeer visit her home.
Jensyn admitted to having some concerns about Santa making his usual rounds with the coronavirus pandemic affecting the world. So she was relieved to see him healthy and full of “ho-ho-ho” at City Park on Saturday.
She asked her mom if Santa Claus would have to wear a mask when he visits homes. They decided that since all boys and girls will be fast asleep in their beds, there would be no need for Santa to mask up.
But on Saturday morning, Santa wasn’t taking any chances. He stood behind a plastic barrier as children put in their requests for presents.
Alan Knoke, 7, of Bowling Green, asked the jolly bearded man for a Lego play set.
As he left Needle Hall, Alan was convinced that Needle Hall was actually Santa’s workshop.
“I can’t wait to see my presents,” he said.
His mom, Martha Knoke, was appreciative of the opportunity for Alan to see Santa in a setting with COVID-19 precautions in place.
“This was a great set-up,” she said. “So at least there’s some normalcy in this crazy time.”
Santa’s stop in City Park was organized by the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department. Needle Hall was used because of its huge doors and open space.
Olivia Bohn, 3, of Bowling Green, stopped by to put in her request for a Barbie doll for Christmas.
“She was very excited this morning,” her mom, Taylor Bohn said.
Olivia was decked out in a sequined Santa hat that she had been wearing since before Halloween.
“She doesn’t leave the house without it,” her mom said.
Her sparkling hat caught plenty of attention.
“Way to dress up for Santa,” said Ivan Kovacevic, recreation coordinator with BG Parks.
The city parks department normally holds Breakfast with Santa every year before Christmas.
“That’s a long tradition,” Kovacevic said. “We had to figure out how to do things we did in the past, but being safe.”
Stimmel’s donated cookies and Girl Scouts helped with the event.
Santa (known to some as Matt Reger) also had to make some special accommodations.
“I’m used to them coming and sitting on my lap, and whispering in my ear,” said Reger, who has portrayed Kris Kringle at the library in Bowling Green since 1994.
“It’s fun for me, I enjoy it,” he said.
Santa not only has to take safety precautions, but also be on his toes about new trending gifts. One child asked him for a particular video game.
“Santa’s a little behind on that stuff, but the elves are really upon this,” he said. “You have to rely on staff.”
But some toys need no explanation – such as one girl’s wish for a doll.
“You can never have too many dolls,” Santa said.
