The word had gone out on the bush telegraph that Santa was going to pop into Copacabana on December 17 and the children were excited.
The elves from the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW had been active building a sleigh and taming the reindeer since September but the wind and rain were threatening to spoil everything.
But around 11.15am the sky turned blue, the wind abated, and Santa began his sleigh ride down from Vista Ave.
Children ran from their houses to send Santa on his way.
At the Flag Pole Lawn he was greeted by many happy people ranging from grandparents to grandchildren.
Many goodies were dispensed before Santa made his merry way to the local shops on the beach front.
Every business in the shopping row was greeted by the big man in red, who passed out gifts for the owners and their staffs, along with the many children who gathered outside the shopfronts and restaurants.
Santa began his journey with a bag containing 300 bags of lollies and wrapped gifts, courtesy of the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association NSW based in Copacabana.
By the time he had completed his visit to several older citizens his bag was empty and he headed back to the North Pole.
It was Santa’s 15th annual visit to the seaside village.
Source:
Media release, Dec 19
Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association