Santa stops to wave as he climbs the ladder at Avery Point Lighthouse (Photo by James Streeter)
As the story goes, Santa Claus gets a lot of practice at going down the chimney of homes to deliver gifts and spread his one-of-a-kind Christmas joy to young and old alike on the eve of December 25th.
In light of this, why Santa was recently seen making a grand entrance topside at Avery Point Lighthouse in Groton, Connecticut, is anyone’s guess.
Perhaps it was an effort to get in shape for the big day, or a desire to try something different, but on December 6, 2010, Santa decided to forsake the norm. Rather than coming down a chimney like his usual practice, he took the opportunity to scale a ladder to the top of Avery Point Lighthouse.
Just how many visits Santa has made to the top of lighthouses over the years is unknown, but his presence atop Avery Point sure made for a festive sighting as the jolly fellows’ distinctive appearance added a fun, holiday aura to the occasion of decorating the lighthouse for Christmas.
Santa joined members of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, for the holiday decorating effort that not only adds a touch of Christmas to the tower, but also reminds onlookers of the importance of preserving a community treasure like Avery Point Light.
Members of Avery Point Lighthouse Society gathered for a group photo with Santa after their decorating efforts were complete (Photo by Dale Treadway)
Whether it was the sight of holiday decorations or just having fun hanging out with the dedicated members of Avery Point Lighthouse Society, Santa also made sure the mood of the affair remained festive by filling the air with a splash of musical notes.
Picking up his saxophone – and yes Santa is musically talented too, the man in the red suit played some tunes both inside and the outside the lighthouse. You might say Santa’s efforts were an early Christmas gift of joy to the volunteers of Avery Point Lighthouse Society.
Though Santa’s appearance at Avery Point Light had to end in the wake of the volunteers completing their efforts of decorating the tower for Christmas, the fun-filled moment provided yet another dose of camaraderie and inspiration for the ongoing mission of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society to preserve this coastal sentinel well into the future.
If the members of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society were to leave the jolly fellow a message, it would be that regardless of the weather on Christmas Eve, Santa can count on seeing the beacon’s flashing green light to guide his way as he descends on the Groton community who will be anticipating his merry arrival!
Avery Point Lighthouse shines a flashing green light to sea each night (Photo by Ron Foster)
Avery Point Lighthouse on December 6, 2010 (Photo by Dale Treadway)
Santa had a fun time with APLS at the lighthouse (Photo by James Streeter)
Santa played his saxophone at the lighthouse (Photo by James Streeter)
Santa added a festive appearance to Avery Point Lighthouse on December 6, 2010 (Photo by James Streeter)
Seamond Roberts says
Now, a Santa playing a sax, that is MY kind of special Santa. Great pictures and great article and great bunch of (very cold) people who went out to do it. Hooray.
Jim Streeter says
Thanks Bob – Great Article –
Our “Saxophone Santa (AKA Keven McMahon) is also a school phychologist and a staunch supporter of the Avery Point Lighthouse. His appearance at the light this past weekend helped bring the spirit of the Holiday Season as well as a sense of pride to those volunteers helped to save, restored and relight the lighthouse. Thanks again for your continued support of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society.
Irma Streeter says
Wonderful article Bob.
By the way, Santa had a brand new sax and he played it exceptionally well in the lighthouse! Wish all could have heard him!
Irma