The Santa Stop ready to share Christmas spirit

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This article was published 02/12/2021 (1281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s no danger of a lack of Christmas spirit in towns and villages in Southeast Manitoba, thanks to The Santa Stop.

The “singing Santa” will be on a special float once again, turning last year’s inspiration into an annual tradition.

Thom Doerksen is not new to the role of Santa, having played the jolly character for close to 20 years. But last year, due to lockdowns, his in-person appearances just couldn’t happen, creating what he said was a lonely Christmas season.

“Christmas spirit was at an all time-low,” he said. “I was just at a loss, I didn’t know what I could do.”

Along with his daughter Montana Hildebrand, he brainstormed. They couldn’t host anything that could promote the gathering of crowds. But a one-car parade was allowed.

Only 11 days later they had a float ready. Towed behind a truck, they visited 10 communities, touring while singing Christmas carols to onlookers.

“It was very well received,” he said.

This year they planned to up the ante, but Doerksen said they knew they needed help. Sponsors stepped up, and in many cases without even asking, he said they found they had the support they needed from close to a dozen local businesses.

That led to an investment into their float, adding pieces to make it even better than last year’s.

With about 70 man-hours invested this year, they estimate the float is home to about 600 feet of lights, and at least 3,500 bulbs.

New communities have also been added to the list. St Pierre, Niverville and St Malo were added. They will also be part of some special events.

The first takes place Dec. 4 as they join Kleefeld Park and Recreation in a Christmas parade. The event begins at 6 p.m. and guests are asked to bring a tin for the bin.

Ste Anne’s event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Richer too will host a special event beginning at 5 p.m. (The Santa Stop float will be there at 7 p.m.) Their event includes gifts for children, free hotdogs, hot chocolate, coffee, hay rides, a bonfire, ice skating and music.

Other tours will take place at Niverville, La Broquerie, Grunthal, Mitchell, New Bothwell, Blumenort and Steinbach.

Doerksen said the support for the event shows that Santa is still a staple, and not something that interferes with other Christmas celebrations.

“You can have a huge belief in the church and Santa can be there too,” he said. “It’s such a huge part in children’s lives. The magic that it creates in the hearts of innocent children is where it is.”

But it’s not just children that Doerksen has noticed can be affected by The Santa Stop.

He said last year he saw a woman in her 90’s spot them through her window. He saw her move quickly towards the door. “All of a sudden the door was open and she’s yelling ‘Merry Christmas’,” he said. “It definitely warms the heart.”

Doerksen keeps the microphone warm for the entire tour, singing carols and offering his often comedic commentary to parade watchers. And while he’s up on the float, he doesn’t miss the effect he’s having.

“When the eyes light up, you can see that,” he said.

Throughout the Christmas season, he’ll run through many Christmas songs, but he still has his favourites. As a trucker by trade, Doerksen said he’s got a special affinity for Santa’s Got a Semi, by Keith Harling. Other more traditional tunes also make up the playlist.

Doerksen said he wants to see toes tapping and memories being made.

“We want Christmas to be contagious,” he said.

Appearance dates and estimated times are listed below. To learn more go to The Santa Stop on Facebook where you can find maps for all the parade routes. You can also request a Zoom call from Santa.

• Dec. 4 – Kleefeld Parade 6 p.m.

• Dec. 11 – Ste Anne Parade 4:30 p.m.

• Dec. 17 – Niverville 5 p.m., La Broquerie 6:15 p.m., Richer 7 p.m.

• Dec. 18 – St Pierre 3:30 p.m., St Malo 4:10 p.m., Grunthal 5 p.m., Mitchell 5:50 p.m., New Bothwell 6:45 p.m., Blumenort 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 19 – Steinbach 4:30 p.m.