Santa’s “sleigh” was a 1969 Pontiac Firebird as Mr. and Mrs. Claus traveled down Battle Ground Main Street for the 4th annual Santa Cruz on Saturday, Dec. 9.
The drive began at Dick’s Point S Tire and Auto Service. Despite the rain, Mr. and Mrs. Claus determinedly drove in their convertible through the wet weather to bring Christmas cheer to children and adults.
To preserve the magic of the season, Mr. and Mrs. Claus opted to keep their identities secret.
Over a dozen people decorated their rides with lights, antlers and full-sized inflatable decorations and joined Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the drive.
Mr. Claus noted the turnout was larger than he had expected, despite the rain. More drivers participated than the year before.
“My birthday is Dec. 10th, so Christmas has always been a big holiday for me,” Mr. Claus said. “I’ve always been a Christmas person, and back in the day, when I used to roof, I dressed up as Santa around Christmas.”
After a work accident, Mr. Claus dedicated more of his time to being the iconic jolly fellow. He served as Santa on a local tree farm until he acquired his dream car, his Firebird.
Their holiday drives began in 2016, when Mr. and Mrs. Claus began decorating their car and dressing in red and white clothes, Mr. Claus said. They drove around local neighborhoods, greeting children and adults. Mr. Claus noted that the adults get just as excited as the children.
“You expect kids to get excited when they see Santa. The adults, though, just bring a whole other element about it. They get so excited to see us dressed up,” Mrs. Claus said.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ first 1969 Pontiac Firebird was totaled, and their current car is their second Firebird.
“I had purchased the original one in 2015,” Mr. Claus said. “With the insurance money I had enough to purchase the Firebird I have now. She’s been all redone.”
The first annual Santa Cruz began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. and Mrs. Claus wanted to spread Christmas cheer to Battle Ground residents by organizing an event that in which people could safely participate, Mrs. Claus said.
Mr. Claus said he would like to expand the annual Santa Cruz. Next year he plans to obtain permits for a larger event, which would feature more drivers and other Christmas festivities.
“We’re going to be working with the city and maybe get something going for next year,” Mr. Claus said.
This year, Mr. and Mrs. Claus have frequented a number of local homes, parks and businesses to spread Christmas cheer. Creekside Heights, Crystal Springs and Captain Strong are neighborhoods they often visit. They can also be seen driving their iconic sleigh around McConnell, Florence and Kiwanis parks. People may even encounter them near the Battle Ground Fred Meyers, Wal-mart or Wilco.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus plan to continue driving around Battle Ground for years to come, bringing Christmas cheer. Bringing the community together with smiles and laughter makes their work worthwhile, Mrs. Claus said.
To learn more about Mr. and Mrs. Claus, visit the Firebird Santa & Mrs. Claus Facebook page. Message them via their Facebook to submit a visit request.
