by V. (Roni) Summers Wickens, Executive DirectorPicton BIA
For some time now, I’ve been hard-pressed to identify the single most appealing feature of picturesque Picton. Is it the sheer number of historically significant buildings, Picton’s friendly home-town charm, or the deep fried pickles at The Acoustic Grill that draws visitors from near and far to our beautiful town? Finally, I have the answer: today I met Super Santa.
For some time now, I’ve been hard-pressed to identify the single most appealing feature of picturesque Picton. Is it the sheer number of historically significant buildings, Picton’s friendly home-town charm, or the deep fried pickles at The Acoustic Grill that draws visitors from near and far to our beautiful town? Finally, I have the answer: today I met Super Santa.
John Zandarin, for a greater number of years than he is probably willing to admit, has volunteered his time to the Picton Santa Claus Parade, at first by default in his role as a municipal public servant and later, by choice. Indeed, Zandarin’s Super Santa is part of what draws kids of all ages to this fun festive event. In the hours leading up to the parade, where others might be making a list or checking it twice, Zandarin can be found at the Bluebird Building at Picton’s historic Crystal Palace welcoming toddlers and tots for their annual visit with Santa….and this year of course, is no exception. But, what makes this year special is that Zandarin has joined forces with Kate Redmond of Kate Redmond Designs to decorate Santa’s Village and there will be magic in the air, especially in light of Zandarin’s recent purchase: an original 1890’s antique McLaughlan cutter ~ just like those used by countless County farm families on countless County roads in years gone by. Purchased with his own funds and stored in his barn for fifty-one weeks of the year, Zandarin proves that what truly makes our community unique is that selfless spirit of giving that lasts the whole year through.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he (and his original antique sleigh) will be in Picton on November 28th courtesy of volunteer extraordinaire John Zandarin and the Picton BIA.
