Story by Judianne Point, Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
Pomham Santa made his annual visit by boat on November 18, 2023.
(L to R) FPRL’s David Kelleher, Alex Dias and Santa.
(FPRL photo)
Every year in November or early December, Santa Claus makes an appearance to the children and families anxiously awaiting his arrival at Sabin Point Park in Riverside, RI. The park is located just south of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse on the Providence River. Sailing along on the Lady Pomham II, Santa waves to the crowd on shore sending along his merry wishes.
This year, the Pomham Santa celebration was held on Saturday, November 18 on a rather rainy and windy day. Events Committee members Anne Greene, Mary Chace, Deb Peterson, Judianne Point, Cheryl Campbell and Louise Paiva served hot chocolate and munchkins and sold Pomham Rocks’ 2023 Christmas ornament to those gathered as they awaited Santa’s arrival.
One of Pomham Santa’s helpers – Adam Dias.
(FPRL photo)
In spite of the inclement weather and foggy conditions, Santa’s ride was going along smoothly until the boat came closer to shore. A squall suddenly blew in from the north and choppy seas, four-foot waves and pelting rain hit the crew of five: Dennis Tardiff, Alex Dias, Adam Dias, Dave Kelleher, and Santa (Andrew Leddy) as they sailed back across Narragansett Bay to dock at the Rhode Island Yacht Club.
Despite the weather and risks involved, this fearless crew stuck to tradition and completed their mission to delight the onlookers of all ages with yet another display of community spirit from the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse.
FPRL Events Committee members (L to R) Anne Greene, Mary Chace, Deb Peterson, Judianne Point, Cheryl Campbell and Louise Paiva served hot chocolate and munchkins and sold Pomham Rocks’ 2023 Christmas ornament to those gathered as they awaited Santa’s arrival.
(FPRL photo)
