We all know the festive Yuletide legend of Santa Claus, the mystical figure with the snow-white beard who swoops down in a sparkling red sleigh to shower little boys and girls with gifts. Well, that tradition comes magically to life at the Meet Santa event, scheduled at the Weeki Wachee Area Club, 7442 Shoal Line Blvd., Dec. 9, 5:30–8 p.m. This event boasts free admission and is open to the public.
Only in lieu of a sleigh, good ol’ Santa and his wife, the venerable Mrs. Claus, will be making their grand entrance astride another ruby-hued vehicle.
“We are planning for Santa and Mrs. Claus coming in on a fire truck,” said Maryann Johnson, President of Weeki Wachee Area Club, adding with a smile, “That’s what we’ve been told.”
Ah, but while good ol’ Santa’s mode of transport may be a bit different at this particular holiday festivity, his plan of action will be the same as always—meeting and taking photos with kids and handing out free toys to these lucky children.
“Santa will be handing out free toys for kids,” said Johnson.
Aiding Santa in this widescale giving effort are members of the Weeki Wachee Area Club, area residents, and corporate partner Whiting Insurance of Spring Hill—all of whom have joined together to host a toy collection drive. The new, unwrapped toys donated will be distributed to kids at Saturday’s event.
“We are taking toy donations at the Weeki Wachee Club and Whiting Insurance Company in Spring Hill,” said Johnson.
Aside from Santa Claus, another seasonal celebrity will be making a special appearance at Meet Santa, where guests will be able to meet a particular green icon as well.
“The Grinch will be there,” promised Johnson.
And the event will feature much more in the way of celebratory Yuletide fun.
“We will have elf helpers and our volunteers serving cookies, hot cocoa, and punch,” Johnson said. “We’ll have some games and a ‘make your own ornament’ activity.”
Meet Santa at the Weeki Wachee Area Club is the start of a brand-new custom that draws inspiration from a recent holiday celebration at the club.
“We had a trunk or treat event at Halloween,” revealed Johnson. “We loved seeing how happy the kids were, getting free candy and having fun. We wanted to do something for them at Christmas.”
To support this effort, bring all toy donations to the Weeki Wachee Area Club, 7442 Shoal Line Blvd., or Whiting Insurance, 11270 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill. Donations will also be accepted on the evening of the Meet Santa event.
No admission or registration is required for Meet Santa. No outside food is permitted, as food will be available for sale at the club. Also, additional gifts from Santa will be distributed at the club’s Saturday Bingo sessions.
Johnson encourages everyone to attend the Weeki Wachee Area Club and meet Santa.
“This is for the people of Weeki Wachee and of Hernando County,” said Johnson. “It’s for the kids.”
