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Multiple Santas expected at Sponge Docks in July

By Mark Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: July 4, 2009

TARPON SPRINGS - While it sounds like a headline from a grocery tabloid, multiple Santas will descend on the Sponge Docks next Saturday.

The concept of Christmas on July 11 grew out of an idea to bring youngsters from H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Research Institute and All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg to the riverfront tourist district for a day of fun, said Alissia Allen-Fatolitis, organizer of the Sponge Docks Merchants Association event

The merchants look for a way to light up the eyes of youngsters and thought, Allen-Fatolitis said, so "what else (but) Santa and the more the merrier," she said.

Palm Tree Santas of Florida will provide about 70 St. Nicks and Mrs. Clauses, plus a few elves. The professional Santas will bring their 1942 fire truck, a giant sleigh and other Santa vehicles, Allen-Fatolitis said.

Santas on Parade will march along Dodecanese Boulevard starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11. The parade will be followed by Santa workshops for youngsters 10 and younger at Spongeorama's Sponge Factory.

Reindeer 101 will take place 12:30 - 1 p.m. and 1:30 - 2 p.m. at the Sponge Factory. There will then be an Elf 101 workshop for youngsters 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. at Spongeorama.

The children will receive a diploma from each workshop and then go to the Sponge Exchange for games based on the workshops.

Meanwhile, the festivities will continue at the Sponge Exchange with live entertainment from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. from the group Mid-life Crisis.

The First United Methodist Church Ensemble will also be caroling throughout the docks.

Winter frivolities culminate at 4 p.m. with a St. Nick lookalike contest at the Sponge Exchange, judged by Mrs. Claus.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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