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Santa Claus gets so excited about visiting Los Gatos on his yearly trip from the North Pole that he's decided to stay here throughout most of December.
The jolly man in the red suit is tentatively scheduled to appear in the town plaza for several hours each day on the weekends following the town's Dec. 6 holiday parade and on Dec. 2224. Kids can share their wish lists with Santa, have their pictures taken and leave with a goody bag.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for a real small-town Christmas," said Vice Mayor Steve Glickman. "We look at this as an alternative to having the pleasure of going to the mall."
For $9.99, kids who visit Santa at the town plaza will have their picture taken with a digital camera by Laura Bergerol of Time Captured Photography in Los Gatos.
"This contrasts with your typical Polaroid picture that you get at the mall for almost the same money," said ImageSnap owner Mark von Keszycki.
The idea to have "Santa in the Plaza" is the brainchild of Glickman, his wife, Judy, and Mayor Sandy Decker.
"It seemed like a natural evolution of everything that already goes on in Los Gatos during the holiday season," said Judy Glickman, who noted that this will be the first year Santa will stay in town for more than just the tree-lighting ceremony and holiday parade.
To make Santa's visit a success for the business community, the Glickmans and Decker are hoping that merchants throughout the town will contribute coupons and other small items for the goody bags as an "economic stimulus" to attract customers.
"We're going to try to do everything we can to support our merchants in town. Christmas is vital," Decker said.
The committee is also looking for people to donate money toward the rental of costumes and to volunteer as elves. The Los Gatos Lions Club has contributed more than $250, the vice mayor said.
To make a donation or sign up as a volunteer, contact Judy Glickman at 408.358.7889 or write to judyjag2000@yahoo.com.
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