Santa’s sleigh was elsewhere or in the shop, but that didn’t keep him from making an appearance in Bradenton Beach.
On Dec. 17, Santa hitched a ride in a squad car with the Bradenton Beach Police Department, and was dropped off just in time to hear almost 100 wishes from the children attending the annual Christmas party at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach.
The yearly event is hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chapter of Women of the Moose.
Greeted by a group of admirers, Santa slung his large toy sack over his shoulder and set about visiting with the party-goers one-at-time, with assistance from the Women of the Moose local chapter and volunteer French Club members from Bayshore High School in Bradenton.
The teenagers helped to serve a chicken strip and French fry lunch and assisted with games, cookies and clean up, while Sandra Zenzel was the mistresses of ceremonies who kept the event moving smoothly.
After a pin-the-star-on-the- Christmas-tree game and a pom-pom version of bean bag toss with a snowman as the target, kids listened to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and fidgeted as they awaited Santa’s arrival.
After their individual audiences with the jolly old man in the red velvet suit, each child received a handmade felt stocking full of candies and goodies.
One child was curious as to Santa’s beard was shorter than the last Santa he had met with and questioned it.
“Well, it’s hot here in Florida,” Zenzel said, “I guess he just had to cut it shorter.”
A total of 94 children had registered to attend the event, open to Moose Lodge members, their families and invited friends.
Jan Raytek, who signed in the kids as they arrived, said afterwards only 6 children on the list did not attend.
“We used everything we brought.” Raytek said. “It was a great turnout.”