November 29, 2000
Chowing down with Mr. Claus
City Opera House sponsors Breakfast with Santa
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Parking the reindeer and sled out of town, Santa and Mrs. Claus swooped into Traverse City Saturday morning, bringing their jolly 'ho-ho-ho' to hundreds of area children.
Santa took lists and checked them twice, telling kids he'd know if they were naughty or nice at the fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. Held at the City Opera House and sponsored by the City Opera House Heritage Association, Breakfast with Santa featured food, fun and frolic for attendees young and old.
"It was really fun," declared Claire Garner, 10, who came with a party of 20 parents and children from her subdivision. "Santa was very realistic."
Debbie Theakston of Lake Ann attended with her daughters for the second year, this time bringing along members of her extended family from downstate. Theakston so enjoyed last year's venture that she said she was the first to buy tickets to Saturday's event, snapping them up almost before the ink was dry.
"You're never too old for Santa," Theakston declared. "It's just fun. Last year my daughter got called up on stage for the unicycle act and my other daughter won a Christmas Beanie Baby."
From tears to gap-toothed smiles, Santa's lap welcomed all. In whispers or shouts, children asked for everything from dolls to trucks to bikes to clothes as a photographer captured the moment. The photos were developed on the spot downstairs at the Camera Shop and ready to take home by the end of the breakfast.
More than a photo or a full stomach, children left with a memory and a special hug from Santa. With one practical gift in hand for good measure.
"We sent them home with toothbrushes to take care of their two front teeth," said Tina Tank, a board member of the City Opera House Heritage Association and volunteer at the breakfast. "We are saving the lists we received and will e-mail answers back."
The City Opera House Heritage Association began sponsoring Breakfast with Santa four years ago, hoping to establish a tradition that would carry the Opera House into the next millennium by capturing the minds and hearts of residents of all ages. Their idea has taken root and flourished and even a second seating this year barely provided enough room for all who wanted to come.
"It is exciting to have all these people see the Opera House and see what it can be used for," said Suzanne Allen, a member of the City Opera House Heritage Association and volunteer at the breakfast. "What I love to see is that all the kids are primped and dressed up for Santa."
Organizers reveled in the room's joyful hum, with snapshots capturing the event's success: toddlers roaming with parents and grandparents in tow, making a beeline for Santa; older children busily coloring picture frames they could take home; teens reading stories to younger children and putting on puppet shows.
"The Opera House truly is an intergenerational place, where you make memories for recall often," enthused Tank. "The angels in the dome are anxiously awaiting the memories again, the happy laughter of children."
The breakfast garnered wide community support, including many donations of food and prizes from area businesses to a performance by students at the Dance Arts Academy. Students from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School also helped with serving and clean-up duties, while members of Traverse City West High School Thespian Society entertained children with stories and puppets.