Santa Claus came to town (twice) Saturday

La Conner's favorite tourist is an early riser who also enjoys the local nightlife.

Santa Claus, the renowned North Pole toymaker who makes visits to La Conner a winter priority, was in town early on Saturday to greet local children and partake in the local Rotary Club's annual pancake breakfast fundraiser.

Following a ride on La Conner's vintage white 1941 fire truck, Santa appeared after nightfall at Gilkey Square for the much-anticipated Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree lighting.

Whether he needed a nap in between, Santa isn't saying. But he showed youthful spryness bounding from the popular World War II era fire engine to take his place in front of the lighted and decorated tree.

Mayor Marna Hanneman, who with Chamber Director Mark Hulst officially welcomed Santa to Gilkey Square, was able to coax those gathered to make way for the jolly old elf to approach the tree.

"Santa is on his way," Hanneman announced, which further heightened excitement among a large, festive crowd that braved a cold, biting wind off Swinomish Channel.

Likewise undaunted by the weather, Santa took a seat to receive Christmas wish lists from local kids. Not far from where he sat was Les Palaniuk, father of town public works employee Kevin Palaniuk. Hanneman noted that the senior Palaniuk has for several years donated the town's Christmas tree.

"He's a very special man," Hanneman said.

Ditto Santa, whose day began just after daybreak at Maple Hall, where in addition to the Rotary breakfast was the La Conner Kiwanis Holiday Craft Show.

"I had to get up early," Santa told the Weekly News, "because I wanted breakfast, see as many children as possible, and check out arts and crafts ideas for our factory at the North Pole."

As his reindeer team grazed at an undisclosed location, Santa met with kiddos, enjoyed pancakes, scrambled eggs and coffee, and scouted the various crafts and holiday wares.

His early morning appearance was much appreciated.

"I came here to see Santa," said 7-year-old Trey Carlson, speaking for countless others – including a cute and cuddly white pooch.

"Ella's here," the dog's master proclaimed, "to see Santa."

Santa's presence inspired donations to Rotary's literacy enhancement and children's programs, which were highlighted on trifold panels near the dining area.

If he was still hungry after breakfast, Santa had his choice of baked goods and smoked salmon at the craft show. La Conner Soroptimists Lynn Faherty and Gail Williams took orders for sweet treats and Burlington-Edison Kiwanians Greg Thramer and Les Tokarchuk shared free bite-sized samples of the smoked salmon they were selling.

When Santa re-appeared hours later, he was able to rub elbows with another celebrity---La Conner Special Olympics Gold Medalist Gable Wilkins, who the day before turned 39 for the first time.

Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra, who helped coordinate logistics for Santa's visit, posed for a photo op with Wilkins just ahead of the tree lighting.

"I've never had my picture taken with a gold medalist," Reinstra said.

Those unable to attend the Dec. 7 Christmas celebrations here didn't totally miss out.

Santa booked a return stop here yesterday at La Conner Swinomish Library. In addition, holiday cheer resumes in La Conner this Saturday with the Swinomish Yacht Club's annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.

The colorful Dec. 14 flotilla, whose theme is "Classic Characters: 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'Frozen,'" sets off on Swinomish Channel at 6 p.m.

Prior to the boat parade, the Shelter Bay Chorus will perform the second of its two holiday concerts at the community clubhouse. Saturday's matinee program is scheduled at 3 p.m. with a $10 donation suggested.

The chorale group will also be on stage this Friday (Dec. 13) at 7 p.m., the same time and evening as the Skagit Community Band's annual free Christmas Concert at Maple Hall. Donations to the band, of course, will be gladly accepted.

Keep your eyes peeled as well for unannounced appearances by Santa between now and his Christmas Eve round-the-world sleigh ride. He has made no secret of his fondness for La Conner and visits here at every opportunity.