The Potomac could have easily passed for The North Pole Sunday.
With no snow in sight, Santa Claus warmed up for a night of present deliveries with an early afternoon water-skiing session.
It marked the 21st year he and the cast of Christmas characters have entertained D.C.-area residents gathered at Lady Bird Johnson Park on Christmas Eve.
This time Kris Kringle was joined by Frosty the Snowman on a dingy, knee-boarding reindeer, a surprise penguin and the Grinch constantly whizzing by on a speedboat trying to spoil the Christmas fun.
Santa told The Examiner the idea for the unique holiday show took shape at a party as he was joking around with friends about such an endeavor.
“The next thing you knew we were doing it,” he said. “We’ve been adding acts and characters since.”
With busy schedules the participants find little time to practice ahead of time, but somehow on Christmas eve the skits come together magically, according to Santa.
The elves and other holiday personalities involved are also water enthusiasts, he said, but everyone’s identities are a closely guarded secret.
“We do this all anonymously,” Saint Nick said. “This is not about any individual getting recognition. This is centered on spreading holiday cheer during this hectic time.”
Although the event has become a December tradition for many D.C. families, this was the first viewing for the Boyds, who were visiting from just outside New York City.
EmileBoyd, 12, and his 4-year-old sister Amalya said the part of the spectacle that made them giggle most was Santa falling into the water while making one of his last turns.
“That was just funny,” Amalya said after the show.
