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Santa Gathering 2023 Agenda
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
9:00 am: Vendor set-up in PA Ballrooms ABCD
3:00 pm: Vendors open until 10:00 pm
10:00 am: Event Registration: Lobby beside Vendor area
4:00 pm: Check-in hotel
Dinner on your own. (See area restaurants and hotel sheets)
7:00 pm: Palm Court – Dennis Daniels Ventriloquist
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, Ice Cream Social
8:00 pm: Palm Court – Christmas Trivia – Paul Agrusti
Thursday, September 7, 2023
6:00 am – 10:00am: *Breakfast OMELET STATION IS BACK!
9:00 am: Registration – Lobby beside Vendor area
9:00 am: Vendors open until 10:00 pm
Training classes:
8:30 am – 9:30 am
In Terrace Room: The Night Before Christmas…Excel in the Telling – Steve Gillham
In Robert Fulton: Santa & Mrs. Claus/Santa & Elves Entertaining –Santa Duffy & Mrs. Claus
In William Penn: Dementia Friends…As it relates to visits in homes & facilities -Jill Kaylor
In Starfish Cove: Hairpiece Making Class –Nancy Hopkins
9:45 am – 10:45 am
In Terrace Room: Being a Santa, The Tricks of the Trade –Howard Bristow
In Robert Fulton: Santa and the Real Meaning of the Holiday -Ken Baker &Bill Neely
In William Penn: What is Holding You Back from Writing Your Story – Rick Maynard
In Starfish Cove: Hairpiece Making Class –Nancy Hopkins
10:45 – 11:45pm Lunch on your own
11:45am: Board the bus
12:00 pm: Bus leaves for Amish Farmland Tour
4:00 pm– 10:00 pm: Milk & Cookies in Hotel Lobby
4:15 pm – 6:15 pm: Plain & Fancy for dinner: (Carpools & Drivers: See Direction Sheet)
4:15 pm – Manor Buffet (for those NOT going on the bus trip)
6:15 pm – Board bus back to hotel
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Palm Court – Entertainment – Steve Gillham
8:00 pm – Palm Court – Joe Barney
Friday, September 8, 2023
6:00 am – 10:00 am: *Breakfast
9:00 am: Vendors open until 10:00 pm
8:30 am – 9:30 am
In Terrace Room: Fun & Games with the Clauses – Wendy Leonard &Brian Marchetti
In Robert Fulton – Tax Q&A – Ann Donley & George Grasic
In William Penn: Mrs. Claus 101- Beginning Your Journey – Trish Parris
9:45 am – 10:45 am
In Terrace Room – The Christmas Wish Crackler –Story Telling & Story Publishing -Nate Whiting
In Robert Fulton: The Look, History & Legend of Santa Claus – Hank Conklin
In William Penn: Mrs. Claus – Oh My…What do I Wear? – Trish Parris
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm– Mrs. Claus Luncheon in the Café 24
Santa Pizza Party in Palm Court
2:00 pm – 2:15pm – **Fashion Show Practice in Palm Court
3:00 pm: Village Green Mini Golf or
Railroad Museum
3:30 pm: Strasburg Railroad (See Address Sheet)
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Milk & Cookies in Hotel Lobby
5:30 pm: In Palm Court: Friday Night Dinner Buffet
6:45 pm: In Palm Court: Entertainment: Steve Kessel
7:15 pm: Raffle Night
8:00 pm: 2023 Group Picture
Saturday, September 9, 2023
7:00 am – 10:00 am: *Breakfast
9:00 am: Vendors open until 10:00 pm
10:15 am: Dutch Wonderland entrance into the park (See Address Sheet)
Noon: Lunch on your own
Training classes :
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: –
In Terrace Room: Stories From 34th Street Joe Barney
In Robert Fulton: Tips and Tricks for Children with Disabilities – Alexa Cooney
In William Penn: Fun & Games with the Clauses – Wendy Leonard & Brian Marchetti
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm:
In Terrace Room: Santa’s Got a Brand-New Bag…Dare to be Different – Joe Barney
In Robert Fulton: Fashion Show Set-up by Hotel
In William Penn – Thrift to Gifts – Tony Mills
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Milk & Cookies in Hotel Lobby
5:30 pm: In Palm Court: Saturday Night Buffet
7:00 pm: In Palm Court – Fashion Show, Military Tribute:
Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf Oaths
50-50 Drawing
Closing Remarks: Paul Nagy
Sunday, September 10, 2023
7:00 am – 10:00 am – *Breakfast
12:00 pm: Check-out
Thanks for coming and see you next year!
Note: Check the whiteboard in the Registration Area frequently for any changes in events!
*Guests of the hotel receive complimentary breakfast tickets at registration. Non-hotel guests: $12.00+tax
**Fashion Show Models: Your dressing room will be in the Robert Fulton Room. Hanging racks, mirror and chairs will be provided! See Sherri Heath (Sew Santa) for info
Santa Gathering 2023 Training Classes
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Welcome! No classes today.
Thursday, September 7, 2023
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: The Night Before Christmas…Excel in the Telling – Steve & Deb Gillham
Most Santas and Mrs. Claus read the storybook. We teach a class how to adlib throughout the reading adding historical tidbits or facts that the parents and children haven’t heard before with a comedic twist. We also discuss the various books and illustrations, explaining what to look for and how to modify your book, making it easier to use with groups of children.
· Robert Fulton: Santa & Mrs. Claus / Santa & Elves Entertaining – Santa Duffy & Mrs. Claus
SANTA AND MRS CLAUS ENTERTAINING GUIDE
Here is an outline of the information we would cover in a teaching class for working together
with a Santa and Mrs. or a Santa and Elves.
· How Mrs. Claus can enhance the experience
o Before the child reaches Santa
o After the child speaks with Santa
o Who she is
o What she does
· Performing magic – types of magic and examples
· Role Playing Sessions
· Photo sessions – how to prepare
· Corporate Events do’s and don’ts
· Administrative guidelines
· Resources
· William Penn Room: “Dementia Friends” as it related to visits in Home & Facilities – Jill Kaylor
Tips and Tricks to understand those that have Dementia and Alzheimer’s. You will receive a
Completion certificate from “Dementia Friends PA”. This is a nationwide movement to help people better understand dementia and support those living with it. https://www.dementiafriendspa.org/
Instructor, Jill Kaylor
Provider Relations Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Visiting Angels
· Starfish Cove: Hairpiece Making Class – Nancy Hopkins
It doesn’t matter if you have short hair, long hair, are a Mrs. Claus or an Elf, come have some fun making a Christmas headpiece.
With an assortment of festive craft items, we will create fun headpieces using wire wrapping technique. Extra embellishments will be available for you to customize your headpiece, but we also invite you to bring your own trimmings to help create a unique accessory for your Christmas outfits.
Come meet your instructor, Nancy Hopkins, a Mrs. Claus, and experienced crafter. Nancy taught the very popular bracelet making class at Santa Gathering 2022. Let her guide you through creating your own one-of-a-kind treasure! If you are an expert or if this is your first-time crafting, this class is for you. Supplies are included and extra glue guns are available for use. Class size is limited to 10 per class and we are offering 2 classes, preregistration is required. A material fee is collected ahead of time – $15.
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: Being a Santa, The Tricks of the Trade – Howie Bristow
Being a Santa – the Tricks of the Trade; including SHOW ME THE MONEY Bookkeeping-A necessary evil, The Three C’s-Contract, Communicate, Compensation, The Three P’s-Preparation, Practice, Patience, Getting Gigs & Keeping Them, and Have Fun!
· Robert Fulton: Santa & The Real Meaning of The Holiday – Ken Baker & Bill Neely
Each year we recite the Santa Claus Oath as a group at the Santa Gathering, which includes the line “I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it”, but how well do you know the history and reason to this statement. Join Santa Bill Neely and Santa Ken Baker, as we discuss the history of how Santa Claus, as we see him today, came into being and how we can be part of it in our portrayal of Santa. This session will include the Christian background to Santa, and how it plays into who Santa is. If time allows, we will share how you can represent this part of the oath when questioned by others.
· William Penn Room: What is Holding You Back From Writing Your Story – Rick Maynard
We will give a outline of what it took us to get the book printed. From story conception, Picking a Artist, Picking a Publisher, Also a Editor. we will include the arguments we had and over what.
· Starfish Cove: Hairpiece Making Class – Nancy Hopkins
It doesn’t matter if you have short hair, long hair, are a Mrs. Claus or an Elf, come have some fun making a Christmas headpiece.
With an assortment of festive craft items, we will create fun headpieces using wire wrapping technique. Extra embellishments will be available for you to customize your headpiece, but we also invite you to bring your own trimmings to help create a unique accessory for your Christmas outfits.
Come meet your instructor, Nancy Hopkins, a Mrs. Claus, and experienced crafter. Nancy taught the very popular bracelet making class at Santa Gathering 2022. Let her guide you through creating your own one-of-a-kind treasure! If you are an expert or if this is your first-time crafting, this class is for you. Supplies are included and extra glue guns are available for use. Class size is limited to 10 per class and we are offering 2 classes, preregistration is required. A material fee is collected ahead of time – $15.
Friday, September 8, 2023
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: Fun & Games with the Clauses – Wendy Leonard & Brian Marchetti
Children delight in visiting with Santa but often a visit requires more than the perfect picture and a child telling Santa what they want for Christmas. This session explores games and activities that can be used to help create magical and fun memories for all participants. We will offer some adaptations to classic party games and maybe some new-to-you ones as well. Come prepared to have fun and add a few new things to your entertaining portfolio.
· Robert Fulton: Tax Q & A – Ann Donley & George Grassic
You are invited to ask questions regarding taxes and general business practices. This session is for beginners and also for more experienced performers. Ann & George are a wealth of information as tax experts; come and ask or come listen and learn.
· William Penn Room: Mrs. Claus 101-Beginning Your Journey – Trish Parris
This class focuses on specifics you want to take into consideration as a new Mrs. Claus. This class is designed to help you make some important decisions about being Mrs. Claus and how you will portray her. From the type of work you may be looking for to how you will dress and act. Who, What, Where, When and most importantly, Why?
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: Storytelling: Choosing the Right Christmas Story & Story Publishing: How to Self-Publish Your Christmas Story. The Christmas Wish Crackler – Nate Whiting
Nate & Jo Whiting are a children’s book writing team from Glen Burnie, MD. Nate is the Author of “The Tale of The Christmas Wish Crackler” with 3 additional other books in the works. Nate researched and worked with the illustrator for The Crackler. Jo is the editor and designer of the book. She researched and worked with the publishers to bring the story to production. Together they have successfully begun a grassroots campaign to market the book and get it out to the masses. Nate & Jo are excited to share their journey and process. Nat will lead a discussion of the importance of selecting the right book to read and how to bring it to life. Jo will lead the discussion on how to bring your own story to life through self-publishing and what to expect in the process. They will have a Q&A following the class.
· Robert Fulton: The Look, History & Legend of Santa Claus – Santa Hank Conklin
This class will discuss the look, history and legend of Santa Claus, starting with the present and working back to Saint Nicolas. The primary sources will be art and literature.
· William Penn Room: Mrs. Claus- Oh My…What do I Wear? – Trish Parris
Fabric selections. Accessories, climate, personal style and your event details all come into play when deciding “what do I wear”. We will discuss a wide array of options, focusing on cost and functionality.
Saturday September 9, 2023
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: Stories From 34th Street – Joe Barney
This workshop tells my story of dreaming to be Santa Claus at an early age and then following those Dreams all the way to becoming the VIP Claus at Macy’s in Herald Square. The underlying message is to follow your heart and your dreams, to always be the best Santa you can be and to touch as many lives as you can, being in and out of the iconic suit. My presentation is entertaining, educational, and uplifting. I’m a firm believer that God put me on this earth to spread smiles and laughs and one of those paths is thru Santa Claus.
· Robert Fulton: Tips & Tricks for Children with Disabilities – Alexa Cooney
Alexa Cooney – Special Education Teacher & Consultant
Pointers and tips to keep in mind when creating a Santa & Mrs. Claus experience for children with physical, emotional, and neurodivergent disabilities. This talk will include what to expect from children and families, People First language, and how to assess the needs of the individual child when they are with you. Specific questions can be answered at the end of the session.
· William Penn Room: Fun & Games with the Clauses – Wendy Leonard & Brian Marchetti
Children delight in visiting with Santa but often a visit requires more than the perfect picture and a child telling Santa what they want for Christmas. This session explores games and activities that can be used to help create magical and fun memories for all participants. We will offer some adaptations to classic party games and maybe some new-to-you ones as well. Come prepared to have fun and add a few new things to your entertaining portfolio.
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM: Training Classes
· Terrace Room: Santa’s Got a Brand-New Bag…Dare to Be Different – Joe Barney
A workshop that builds on the tradition of Santa and Mrs. Claus but looks on adding on all the bells and whistles so it reenergizes your Santa and reawakens the child in all of us.
· Robert Fulton: Fashion Show Dressing Room Set-Up
· William Penn Room: Thrifts to Gifts – Tony Mills
When growing up, my mother and both grandmothers were very avid thrift store shoppers. I would watch them and learn their special techniques for finding some amazing materials, clothing, fixtures and furniture pieces. I have taken their techniques and created some of my own to finding some spectacular items that are new and or slightly used. My thrifting skills have allowed me create some beautiful Santa Suits, other Santa outfits, Santa gear and photography props. I want to share my experiences with everyone and teach others how to find amazing thrifts and turn them into amazing gifts.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
No classes today. We hope to see you next year. Have a Wonderful Christmas Season!
Santa Gathering 2023 Fashion Show
Doubletree Hotel
Santas, Mrs. Clauses and Elves its almost time for our annual Fashion Show! A time to show off your Christmas finery! Can imagine that you all are trying to decide which outfit to bring this year! Search your closets, creative minds, etc. for your best and funniest outfits. All Santa related of course! Some past Santas and Mrs. Clauses have appeared with spectacular suits, coats, vests, sweaters, Santas in Kilts, baseball suits, fisherman suits, historical suits, pirate garb, thrift shop creations and much more!
If you haven’t signed up to walk the red carpet yet, the sign-up sheet will be in the registration room! We will have a short Fashion Show practice in Palm Court on Friday at 2:00 pm. We will also need a description of what you are wearing which will be read while you are walking the red carpet! Index cards will be provided at registration! Santa and Mrs. Claus can walk together or separately! Elves are welcome to walk the red carpet, also!
Just want to thank all of our SG Fashion show models for their beautiful and funny Santa and Mrs. Claus creations! You all continue to be an important part of our Santa Gathering Family!
Check the pictures on our web site for past models, if you need ideas.
If you have scheduled an appointment with Lucian for a professional photograph you only need to bring one outfit for both your photograph and to participate in the Fashion Show! More room in your suitcase for vendor items!
See Sherri Heath in the Vendor Room if you have any questions!
Santa Gathering 2023 Excursions
Amish Farmland Bus Tour, Movie & Dinner – Thursday
Bird-in-Hand, PA
Website: www.theamishexperience.com
Fee: $50.00 (pre-registration and payment required in advance)
Roundtrip bus transportation provided from hotel (self-drive is not permitted).
By bus we will travel to the “Amish Experience” where an expert Amish Tour guide will board our bus and take us on a 90-minute guided bus tour of the Amish back roads that will explain their lifestyle, church, and farming methods with a stop at a working Amish industry. There will also be a 3D theatre presentation called Jacob’s Choice which will talk about the struggles for Amish youth between their faith and the modern world. Dinner will follow at the Plain and Fancy, a farm to table family-style restaurant. Space is limited for this event to the first 150 who register and pay.
Mrs. Claus Luncheon – Friday
Doubletree Hotel
Fee: $17.50 (pre-registration and payment required in advance)
Enjoy the company of other Mrs. Clauses and Christmas Elves at our annual luncheon.
For Friday afternoon, you have a choice of 3 different activities – The Strasburg Railroad, The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania or Village Greens Miniature Golf. Be sure to choose only one option – we will be having so much fun there will only be time to fit in one of these activities.
Strasburg Rail Road – Friday Option 1
Strasburg, PA
Website: www.strasburgrailroad.com
Fee: $16.50 (pre-registration and payment required in advance)
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.
When you visit Strasburg Rail Road, the first thing you can expect is an authentic experience of a real steam railroad. The locomotives and passenger cars, (known as “rolling stock”) are not replicas, and our staff members are not reenactors. Strasburg Rail Road has five working steam locomotives and 20 operating passenger cars, including our President’s Car, First-Class Parlor Car, First Class Lounge, and our Dining Car. All equipment is restored and maintained on-site in our Mechanical Shop.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania – Friday Option 2
Strasburg, PA
Website: www.rrmusuempa.org
Fee: $10.00 (pre-registration and payment required in advance)
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s collection has more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars that chronicle American railroad history. Visitors can climb aboard various locomotives and cars, inspect a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, view restoration activities via closed-circuit television, enjoy interactive educational programs, and more.
In addition to full-size rolling stock pieces, the museum offers a number of other commodities, which include several model railroad layouts, a hands-on educational center, a library and archives, and a smaller exhibit gallery on the second floor.
Village Greens Miniature Golf – Friday Option 3
Strasburg, PA
Website: https://villagegreens.com
Fee: $10.00 (pre-registration and payment required in advance)
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.
Here at Village Greens Miniature Golf, we like to think of ourselves as something more than just your typical mini-golf course. Nestled in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside just west of Strasburg, we have the perfect setting for an amazing golf course. Both of our courses offer something unique, from golfing in mature woods surrounded by colorful flowers to listening to the gurgle of a rushing stream as it makes its way through our miniature mill’s waterwheel. Keep your eyes open and you’ll see fish, turtles, and many smiles coming from the happy golfers you encounter. We are proud to be locally owned and family operated. It makes a difference that our customers can see. Come out today to relax, get some fresh air, and have a great time!
Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park – Saturday
Lancaster, PA
Website: www.dutchwonderland.com/
Free for all Saturday attendees
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.
Since opening in 1963, Dutch Wonderland has consistently been recognized as a premier family theme park near Philadelphia, PA and was awarded the Golden Ticket for World’s Best Family Park by Amusement Today magazine. Every September, Santa Gathering attendees visit the park as a group to the delight and amazement of visitors. As we enter the park and make our way to ride Dutch Wonderland’s Train children’s eyes, as well as their parents, widen in surprise. It is so cool to see so many Santa and Mrs. Clauses take their seats and ride the train around the park. After the train ride we will tour the park, sit on a bench, and greet the children or climb into a bumper car (the kid’s love it!).