Moses Lake man doubles as Santa

Owns 34 Santa suits

MOSES LAKE - The magic of Santa's expected visit on Christmas materialized Thursday afternoon after school for about 20 Moses Lake children.

They were treated to a visit from Tracy Benett, 44, of Moses Lake.

He's a retired firefighter who says he's dressed up like Santa since he was 10. He owns 34 Santa suits bought at Wal-Mart or costume shops, he said.

The children immediately clamored around Benett, who handed them candy canes while walking near North Elementary School and The Boys & Girls Club.

He even posed for a group photo with the children, who appeared happy and surprised to see him.

He said he encourages kids not to do drugs, watch out for predators and love their parents.

This is Benett's first December in Moses Lake as Santa, he said.

"A little girl came up to me today and said, I believe you're the real Santa Claus," he said.

He said he played Santa last week during an employee Christmas party and worked a few more private engagements this year.

His work includes delivering donated Christmas gifts to a family in need. He said The Pershing Apartments and Perkins Restaurant donated toward his efforts.

His cousin, Paula Tyus, and her daughter, Myiana Greenway, 17, both of Moses Lake, were on hand Thursday to drive Benett to The Boys & Girls Club and help as needed.

"It's just nice to know kids believe in Santa," Tyus said.

"They were asking if they could have two, three or four (candy canes)," Greenway said.