PHOTO: Santa and Mrs. Claus are practicing safe public health as they socially distance at the North Pole, but they are still keeping an eye on Waterville-area kids, and are very proud of how brave and strong they’re being! (Central Maine Photography photo)
By Mark Huard
WATERVILLE — Merry Christmas in July to all the kids in the Waterville area from Santa and Mrs. Claus. We cherish our visits to Kringleville every December. Castonguay Square is the heartbeat of your downtown and we are honored to be at your square during the holidays.
Santa is always watching you grow and checking if you have been naughty or nice. Mrs. Claus has read all your letters aloud to Santa and has been tickled to learn about how much you have all grown during your time at home through the COVID-19 pandemic. Santa and Mrs. Claus encourage all of you to continue to grow and learn. We are proud of you. You have been brave. Continue to be brave! You have been strong through all of the changes that this year has brought to the world. Always remember to be part of solutions, rather than adding to problems. Be good. Be nice. Be kind. Be respectful of others.
People of all ages from around the globe visit the Kringleville cabin every year. We love that you all continue to be part of the Kringleville story season after season and keep the tradition in such a wonderful city. We understand that there could potentially be travel limitations this upcoming 2020 season. Santa and Mrs. Claus are staying connected with the Children’s Discovery Museum to ensure that Christmas will go on for Kringleville followers. Though there might be alternative ways to connect with Santa, we are working to ensure that all can connect with Santa even if the conversation of sharing your Christmas wishes with Santa is a remote visit this season.
The Kringleville reach of “followers” grew during the 2019 season from hundreds to thousands — 3,284 to be exact. There was a growth of 275% of our connection with Kringleville followers this past season. Since December, followers have remained engaged with Kringleville via the Kringleville Facebook page. During COVID-19, an additional 64 Christmas spirited folks joined Kringleville’s followers, bringing the total to 3,348.
Kringleville continues with the support of The Children’s Discovery Museum led by Executive Director Amarinda Keys.
