News

Santa in the River revamped

By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 11:18 AM EST

NILES - A longtime tradition is getting a new look.

The float carrying Santa and his reindeer is being revamped by volunteers including, Larry Pickles, at right, in preparation for launch into the St. Joseph River Sunday, Dec. 7. Thanks to donations by area organizations and businesses, the float will receive a new paint job, new reindeer and new lights.

For years, Santa Claus and his reindeer have reigned over the St. Joseph River each holiday season - standing strong during the day - and lighting up the night.

This year Santa is getting a makeover.

Among those St. Nick might call his friends are Mike Peters, Larry Pickles, Tom Bonner and Rob Clingaman, who have taken part in setting him at his post each year, along with numerous other volunteers. This year, the four are hard at work renovating Santa, his raft and his loyal reindeer.

River waters rose so high, Peters said, "that last year, everything that floated down (the river) ran into" the float. "So it really took some abuse."

Now, with the help of a $500 donation by the Niles Noon Optimist Club, Peters and his crew are putting together a new raft, new reindeer and new lights for a whole new Santa.

"The new paint job will be a lot brighter," Peters said. And that aspect is thanks to a local donor as well.

Paint was donated by Niles Chemical Paint. "A lot of people have had their hands into it," Peters said.

Santa was first launched into the river in 1962, when Lakeland Hospital was known as Pawating Hospital and the float would be seen by those patients in the children's wing, which overlooked the river.

The idea of Peters, Pickles, Bonner and Clingaman toiling away, with the help of numerous volunteers, wrestling with twinkle lights and carefully arranging reindeer could echo that first launch in the early 60s. It was Peters' father who helped give the tradition its start. And he wasn't alone either - constructing and setting Santa afloat with Pete Williams, Willy Huss and Hank Hansen.

"It's a tradition and we enjoy doing it," said Peters.

Along with their renovations, the guys hope to make, Peters said that includes figuring out a way to make one of the reindeer looks as though it's lifting off from the river.

The efforts made by these volunteers are scheduled to be seen Sunday, Dec. 7 - when the new and improved Santa takes his place on the St. Joseph River, lighting up the night and bringing smiles to Niles this holiday season.

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