Santa Makes Early Stop at Greeley Park

No, Santa did not get his signals crossed.

Just as New Hampshire sees a heavy rotation of political figures every campaign season, Santa Claus has been favoring the Granite State for the past five years with a pre-Christmas stop, thanks to the coaxing of some North End neighbors who first invited Santa to meet with children in Greeley Park.

The idea began as a way to make sure all children who wanted a photo opportunity with Santa could have one, even those who may not be able to afford a professional photo packet from the malls, said Imelda Murphy, who works hard behind the scenes each year to make the event a success.

On Dec. 8 Santa arrived, as scheduled, around noon, in a Nashua Fire truck, greeted first by Mrs. Claus at the Gazebo where more than 200 children would eventually make the trek for a sitting with the spritely old elf – the biggest turn out yet, Murphy said.

"This year was a busy year for poor Old Santa Claus with no breaks," said Imelda Murphy. "The children and their parents and grandparents started to arrive at the gazebo 45 minutes early for the noon visit."  

Every child received an age-appropriate gift from Santa, including:

Murphy said this year Alderman-elect David Schonemann arrived early, helped decorate, then manned the grill, turning out mini-Irish sausages and roasted chestnuts to keep the waiting crowd warm.

"And we're happy to announce he's already promised to come back next year," Murphy said.

Chief Elf Wayne Spence and his wife, Marilyn, started decking the halls of the gazebo at Greeley Park at 7 a.m. followed soon after Tom Dwane, of Parks & Recreation, who "commenced his long and indispensable volunteer contribution to the day-long effort," Murphy said.

Santa in the Park would like to thank all their donors and helpers as well as mother Nature for the snow that timely arrived for Santa's sled, Murphy said.

The annual event would not be possible without the generosity and cooperation of many volunteers and local businesses and city employees, Murphy said, including: 

Rotary Club of Nashua:  For donation of the Santa Christmas tree plus three small trees, which will go to families in need via the Tolles Street Mission.

Hayward Ice Cream: Christmas trees for the Gazebo.

Mr. & Mrs. J. Bellavance: The trimmings for the Santa Christmas tree and toys for children of Nashua who visited.

Mr. &Mrs.  Richard Foemmel: Toys for the children.

Mr. & Mrs. Ken Brunni: Toys for the workshop.

Home Depot of Nashua

Lowes of Nashua

Dick;s Sporting Goods

A special thanks to all the helpers:

Santa Claus : Ed Lecius.

Mrs. Claus: Lynn McGee

Wayne Spence (Chief Elf)

Tom Dwane (Parks & Rec.)

Santa's Helpers:

Marilyn Spence

Nancy Garceau

Judy & Robert Carlson

Imelda & Francis Murphy

Tom Pappas

David Schoneman

Stacey Williams

Joseph Pappas (assistant Elf)

Mary Pappas (assistant Elf)

Maeve Murphy (assistant Elf)

Eoghan Murphy (assistant Elf)