Cape’s Breakfast with Santa Brings Out the Crowds

Even before Santa arrived at the Cape St. Claire community center on Saturday morning, Sean Garlington had list in hand and was first in line to visit with Old St. Nick.

"I really want this football game," he said. "I sure hope he says yes."

Sean and his family were among the many who attended one of two seatings at the annual Breakfast with Santa event run by the very talented Mary Lamb.

"We have been doing this about 16 years," said Lamb who, along with her loyal group of volunteers, runs this social event for Cape families. "It is a lot of work but so worth it when you see the children's faces light up when Santa comes."

And light up they did. The distant sirens were the sign that Santa's arrival was coming and a signal for all of the little ones to button up their coats and head outside. In the front of the center, Santa arrived with the help of the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Company.

"Hi, everyone," yelled Santa to the crowd, where he was met with hugs and smiles from children and their parents. He seemed as glad to see them as they were to see him, and he even remembered some of their names.

"My, that is a pretty dress," said Santa to pretty little girls dressed in their finest, and seemed shocked to find little Brayden McDowell, 1, dressed just like him.

After greeting the crowd, Santa was escorted in by Lamb and helper elves Melissa Kubik and Richard Foldauer.

"Let's get this party started," Santa pronounced, and the visits began.

One brother sister duo informed Santa they wanted some Toy Story dolls. "Do you like the horse?" he asked the kids. "He's my favorite. Did you like the new movie?"

One little one hopped on his knee with a toy of, what else, Santa himself. "Hey, that's a toy of me," Santa said with a smile. "Wow, that 's a great toy!"

Andrew Hill told Santa about his rather unique request. "I want a Clapper," he said, showing Santa how it would allow him to turn the light in his room off and on.

As the line got shorter, Lamb and the other volunteers, including Kim Pollock, Pat McDonald, Christine Nokes, Doreen Purnell, Kathy Kubik, and Christy Folderauer, began getting ready for the second group of families that were set to arrive soon. And all had smiles on their faces.

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