Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
The roving party that is SantaCon is set for Dec. 7 in downtown Asheville. This is a departure from past events, when SantaCon was essentially held as a private party in town.
Party on, Santa! This year’s Santacon will be on Saturday, December 7th and is going to be a bit different. It will all be within walking distance downtown and there will be no bus or centralized after-party. We are going to designate a couple of large, spacious public areas for Santa meet-ups at specific times, otherwise we encourage Santa’s to spread to love, joy and merriment and wander around downtown at will. We are not going to parade or block streets because we want to be able to have Santacon again next year hassle-free. If there is anything that you want to be included in this year’s Santacon, make it happen! Reindeer games, charitable works, whatever it may be -just to it. Form a Krewe so you have Santas to rove with. Tell people about it in this group. Santa believes in do-orcracys.
Some SantaCon guidelines:
Santa does not make children cry. Really, if you see kids, don’t do anything to freak them out. Give them a nice smile and possibly a gift of some kind (toys, candy etc). Parents and tourists are a different matter altogether – adjust your behavior based on their attitude.
Santa doesn’t whine! We will be outside a lot and commuting mainly on foot – bring enough “snacks” to keep your pie-hole filled until we get indoors.
Bring gifts: NAUGHTY gifts to give grown ups; NICE stuff to give kids. Throwing coal at people is discouraged no matter who they are. YES THAT INCLUDES POLITICIANS. But giving out coal might actually be appreciated.
Make sure you always tip the bar staff. We want to be able to do this again so be polite and cultivate the goodwill of the local community.
Please pay for your drinks as soon as you get them. Santas get tired of waiting on other santas to clear their tab before being able to move on. This entire adventure should be cash only.
Dress up! You don’t have to dress exactly like Santa. In fact, unusual interpretations of Santa-ness are much appreciated, both by those we bring joy to – as well as your fellow santas: elves, reindeer themes etc. are fine as well!
