Belleair Santa and elves deliver very special greetings
By MARIANNE KLINGEL
Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007  |
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| Photo by MARIANNE KLINGEL |
| Belleair Town Commissioner Karla Rettstatt chauffeurs Santa’s elves in her Mini Cooper for gift deliveries Dec. 21. |
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BELLEAIR – “Ho Ho Ho” echoed throughout the streets of Belleair Dec. 21 as Santa’s very special helper, who is also Belleair’s beloved postman, Rick Brinkman, hand-delivered presents to 30 children at their homes.
The traditional sleigh and reindeer were resting up for their big journey Christmas Eve, but not to worry … Santa cruised in style in Belleair Bluffs Fire Rescue truck No. 43.
Leading the way was Belleair Commissioner Karla Rettstatt in her festively decorated Mini Cooper convertible filled with helpful elves. At each stop, they all jumped out and escorted Santa to the wide-eyed children and their families waiting eagerly on their porches, driveways and lawns.
Distributing the toys to residents’ children has become a tradition in Belleair. Mayor Gary Katica handed off the job to Brinkman three years ago. A three-tour Iraq veteran, Brinkman cherishes the experience, saying, “It is so rewarding to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. The whole town of Belleair pitches in – firefighters help drive the truck, the police chief and his wife help load presents, the mayor’s here. It’s just a great small town feeling with everyone doing something nice together.”
This holiday season, Santa and his elves spread cheer three nights in a row, visiting more than 90 children in all. Friday night’s run concluded with the crew rounding a corner and coming upon a group of 20 kids on North Pine jumping up and down in anticipation yelling, “Santa, Santa, Santa!!”
The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Belleair.
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Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007
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