By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of Georgetown Santas
What started with one man in a Santa suit in 1999 has turned into a large, festive annual event on Georgetown Road in Salina. Georgetown Santas has become an annual Christmas tradition for thousands of guests, with multiple Santas and Elves greeting families with popcorn, candy, and Christmas cheer.
Justin Martin, who has been part of Georgetown Santas since 2003, spoke about how this annual tradition began.
“Jack Schmiedler had just moved to Georgetown Road, and one evening he donned a Santa Suit and went out and stood at the end of his driveway to give out candy.”
“Honestly, his ploy was that he just wanted to get rid of some leftover Halloween candy.”
“Then his neighbor across the street, Paul McDaniel, saw what he was doing, and he looked like he was having fun. So, he asked if he could join in, and away we went.”
“That’s kind of how it all got started, and it’s just steadily grown from there.”
The Santas and Elves pop nearly 400 pounds of popcorn each year and hand out thousands of pieces of candy to visitors during the three-day event.
This year’s event will run from Sunday, December 21st, through Tuesday, December 23rd, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. each night. Martin said this is a Drive-Thru experience.
“We have kind of summarized it as a Christmas display drive-thru experience.”
“Folks can drive down Georgetown Road, stay warm in their cars, and all they’ve got to do is drive through.”
They’ll then be greeted by Santas and their elves handing out candy and popcorn, and well wishes for a Merry Christmas.”
The event is free to families, but donations are always accepted to help cover the costs of the candy and popcorn. You can also support this annual tradition at georgetownsantas.com.
This holiday tradition spreads holiday cheer to thousands of visitors from across Kansas and beyond each year. To learn more about this annual tradition, visit their website.
