Santa at the Square

Claus lights up faces for photos at Sinkiuse, Gottschalks

MOSES LAKE — On Thursdays this month, the corner of Ash Street and Third Avenue is as merry as the Christmas holiday itself.

Waving at a rush of traffic in downtown, old St. Nicholas produces honks and waves from the passing cars. A few of those merry motorists even stop and bring themselves over to Santa's house, the temporary building on Sinkiuse Square where kids of all ages can get their picture taken with the jolly old elf.

"You can't get in a bad mood," Santa said of his profession. "I have such a good time doing this."

Some of the youngsters who come to see Santa are a little scared of the jolly old elf, but this Santa Claus finds he can almost always get those kids smiling before their visit is done. After bellowing a "Ho ho ho," and after pausing for a few pictures, Santa wishes a "Merry Christmas" to all who stop by.

"I love to watch the expressions on the children's faces," he said.

After hearing from the kids, Santa often reminds children when their visit is over to leave snacks for him and his reindeer under the tree on Christmas Eve. Santa's favorite cookies, he tells the kids, are macadamia nut.

Santa has been inciting smiles for two Decembers now, from toddlers to senior citizens. He sets up shop at the square on Thursdays, and can be seen on Stratford Road at Gottschalks on Fridays through Sundays. He began his work in Moses Lake this year at the Agricultural Appreciation Lighted Christmas Parade, and will continue his work both downtown and at Gottschalks through the holiday season. At the Stratford Road Store, Santa is accompanied by one of his elves, who is played by his son.

And this Santa never gets out of character, always the jolly old elf wishing a merry season to the kids. He concedes there is no work for him to become Mr. Claus.

"There's no 'I have to get into the role,'" he said with a hearty laugh, "I am a fat, jolly guy."

And he's one of the most photogenic Santas around, according to his photographer. This holiday season, residents of Moses Lake are able to get photos with Santa from David Hector, who is the owner of Photo Motions on Broadway Avenue. Hector has found Santa has brought the heart of the holidays out in both Santa and the child sitting next to him.

"He brings out the best in a lot of the kids," Hector said.

Santa's efforts come out with kids of all ages, as Hector takes pictures of Santa with older kids on motorcycles. Santa has even appeared in television and radio commercials. Hector said he hopes to continue making the Santa experience better every year.

Santa said the job is one he's always wanted to do, and finds it's just fun to meet and talk with everyone. The job is a temporary one for this Santa, but one he recommends everyone take part in for at least one holiday season.

"The look that you get from those children when you look at them, with those little eyes," Santa said, "It's just magic."

Santa will again be at Sinkiuse Square this Thursday and Dec. 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Claus-aholics can also find him at Gottschalks every Friday-Sunday until Christmas Eve.