Mr. Claus

NEWS & VIEWS > PEOPLE

By Carole Mattessich

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Dec. 18, 2008

Bowker a.k.a., Santa Claus

It takes someone special to listen to hours of childrens' requests, right? Every year at this time, Frank Bowker of Upper Township suits up for Santa gigs, encountering holiday moments full of humor and not just a little bit of wisdom. Find out what makes some of our neighbors don fuzzy red suits at this special time of year.

Santa, how's the economy affecting your work?

The gift lists are longer. Some of the kids seem to know that times are tough, but we're going to try to fill all those orders, large and small. And, thank goodness, gas prices aren't really a concern -- reindeer still eat straw and hay.

Is there a Santa union?

I don't think so -- there's only the one Santa, remember? Of course he has his helpers, but we all get along very well.

What requests are hot this year?

A lot of kids ask for toys for their younger brothers and sisters, which is always nice. They remember their siblings, and they sometimes even ask for gifts for their parents. As for themselves, they always know what they want, precisely. Hannah Montana's big this year, so we're working overtime on that. She's been keeping us busy. Oh, and one child asked for an engagement ring for her mom. That was certainly interesting.

Was she trying to get you two together?

No, no, she had someone else in mind. Mrs. Claus wouldn't have been too happy about that.

How about older kids?

They like concert tickets and a lot of things that Santa doesn't make. But we let their parents know what they're looking for. As for the really big kids -- like the readers of Atlantic City Weekly? We tell them the best thing they can do for themselves at Christmas is to give back to the little kids during the season.

Is it true some children are scared of you?

Let's say some are not too sure. Sometimes no matter what I do -- let them come up near the reindeer, sit in a sled -- nothing helps, they're not comfortable. So I just wave to them. They may not make it up to Santa's lap this year, but I just tell them: 'I'll see you next year.'

What kind of snacks do families leave for Santa around here?

I get a lot of saltwater taffy, a lot of fudge, and sometimes I get really lucky and they leave me a slice of Mack & Manco pizza. I get many treats that you can only get in southern New Jersey, which makes it one of my favorite places to be.

Page: 1 2 |Next