By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Yes, the beard is real. Yes, the reindeer are resting up for the big night. And yes, children still believe.
Among those is Max Galish, who shared his Christmas wish list with Santa Claus recently during the City Park Winter Spark event. Topping his list was a science kit and a record player.
Max has a couple records already – “King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard” and “Tree No Leaves,” from his dad’s band.
“We wrote our letter on Dec. 1, and got it back pretty fast,” Max’s mom, Sarah Galish, said to Santa, complimenting his quick response.
“Those elves are on it,” Santa replied.
Inside the “North Pole” stationed in City Park’s Needle Hall was a place for children to write out their wish lists for Santa.
Jensyn Meyer thought a moment before writing out her list in crayon.
“I think I’ll tell Santa what I like to do, then he’ll know what to get me,” she said, listing that she likes making crafts, putting together puzzles and weaving.
The next child took the opportunity to make some rather bold requests – a snowmobile, robot and horse.
The top requests from children, according to Santa (who preferred to just be called Santa to avoid any confusion among his younger clientele), remains the same as it has been for the last decade – Legos.
“Santa thinks that’s great. They get to think and use their hands,” he said.
Occasionally, the big jolly guy gets some tougher requests to fill.
Sometimes children in impoverished homes ask Santa to not worry about gifts for them – but make sure he delivers presents for their siblings. And sometimes, he is asked to make a parent healthy or get a parent out of jail.
“I try to explain that Santa can do lots of things, but he can’t do everything,” old St. Nick said.
“I tell them to try to be nice to everyone they know,” that way they will feel the happiness of spreading joy.
Santa has already made several pre-Christmas stops in Bowling Green this holiday season – including in the Holiday Parade and at the downtown Small Business Saturday.
As Santa left City Park for another stop in Columbus, a little girl ran after him to give him one last hug. Santa gave his hearty laugh, then reminded her to leave a carrot for his reindeer.
In his absence, Mrs. Claus stayed to greet children eager to get their lists to Santa. She patiently listened as one little girl serenaded her with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Mrs. Claus admitted that children are often more excited to see her jolly husband. “I really do play second fiddle,” she said with a smile. But Mrs. Claus (who bears a great resemblance to retired children’s librarian Kathy East) explained that any requests will be forwarded directly to Santa.
“They do go to the big guy,” she said.
Also at the City Park Winter Spark event, families participated in a 1-mile “Jingle Bell Jog” run/walk, a craft and farmers market, Elf in the Park family scavenger hunt, family games, children’s storytime, Winter Wonderland of crafts and face painting, and an artificial snowball fight.
