Santa makes stop for photo opp at Preston Park
BUTLER TWP — Preston Park became an outpost of the North Pole on Saturday morning when Santa dropped by to take free photos with children.
The second annual Santa at Preston Park, at 415 S. Eberhart Road, ran from 10 a.m. to noon. Children and their families lined up to have pictures taken with the Jolly Old Elf himself. The Center for Community Resources provided hot chocolate to those waiting in line, and members of Leadership Butler County collected socks that would go to Inspired Hearts and Hands to be distributed to youths in the community.
Mike Hall, of Zelienople, donned the gay apparel of Santa before the children arrived. A Butler County Chamber of Commerce member and the owner of General Rental Center in Cranberry Township, he said playing Santa was a fun hobby.
“I’ve been doing it for 24 years. I made 30 appearances last year, but this year I’ve cut back to 15,” Hall said. He’s bought two Santa suits but wished he’d made a better choice for the chilly morning.
“I have a better suit. It’s insulated for outdoor use,” he said. When children began arriving, he climbed into a sleigh to take pictures with the youngsters asking them if they’d been good this year and what they’d like for Christmas.
Jordan Grady, chamber president, said this was the second year of the event, co-sponsored with Butler Township.
“I’m surprised at the crowd. It was a little warmer last year, but hey,” Grady said.
Pictures, taken by Mark Buchek, the incoming chamber chairman, would be available later this week on the chamber website. A holiday background would be added to the pictures, which would be available to be downloaded from the website.
Tory McCoy, of Butler, brought her three sons, Zadyn, 4; Legend, 7; and Asher, 9, to get their pictures taken. All three began shouting and pointing when Santa’s sometime nemesis, the Grinch, made an appearance.
Joe Manuel, the man behind the Grinch mask, said he’s been making appearances as the famed Christmas curmudgeon for the past two years.
“The kids are just as excited to see the Grinch as Santa. A few kids are kind of scared, but they warm up to me,” Manuel said. “I’m doing it for fun. I join a lot of different events.” He bought his own Grinch suit and has a Facebook page, The Grinch of Butler County Pa.
Audrianna Bly waiting in line with her son, Crichton, 6, for his turn in the sleigh, said, “He’s very excited to meet Santa and excited to donate socks to Inspired Hearts.”
Heather Hoak, Alita Haniwalt, Samantha Weiland and Mary Kate Scott, members of Leadership Butler County, were collecting socks in the picnic shelter for Inspired Hearts and Hands, which among other initiatives collects clothing items for children in need.
“We’re teaming up with them to help them with this,” Hoak said. Leadership Butler County will be working with Inspired Hearts and Hands throughout the month of December and throughout the year.
Sophia Vose, 3, was decked out in a velvet dress for her meeting with Santa, although she was wrapped in a blanket while she waited in line in the arms of her mother, Larisa Vose. Asked if she was going to give him her Christmas wish, Sophia said, “Yes, a jump rope.”
Larisa Vose said “We came out last year. It was so nice last year.”
Debbie Switzer and Nancy Debor of the Center for Community Resources were handing out hot chocolate to ward off the chill to people waiting in line.
“This is the first year for us. Jordan asked us, and who can say no to Jordan?” Switzer said.
David Zarnick, chairman of the Butler Township commissioners, said, “This is the second year we’ve done it. We’ve got a bigger turnout than last year.”
Zarnick added, “It is important to have this for the parents and the children to come out and say hello to Santa. It’s a free event.
“We’re glad to participate with the chamber to be a part of this and give them activities outside and in the park,” he said.
