One of Wagga’s Santas has been in the job for more than 35 years.
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Rick Priest, 77, first started as a “representative of Santa” when a school had no one to fill the role.
“As soon as I had done the first couple of appearances and people knew I could be booked, it was on,” he said.
“I’ve had some very interesting experiences as a Santa.”
When children question if he really is Santa, Mr Priest tells them he is a representative.
“He’s got such a big job and we’ve been asked to step up,” he said.
“I let every kid warm up to me by asking for a high-five because they can all give a five and leave smiling.”
Mr Priest said this Christmas he hopes to see people appreciating the values of giving, family and friendship.
“I would like to see more people take up the traditions of the season,” he said.
“Speak to your neighbour, be polite and kind.
“We live in a country where our values are based on friendship.”
Mr Priest said he does sometimes wish Christmas wasn’t quite so hot.
“The suit can get a bit hot so you know you're dedicated when you wear this in the heat,” he said.
Mr Priest said the children he sees immersed in the spirit of Christmas.
“Sometimes kids will ask ‘where is my bike’ from last year and I joke around that ‘I left it there’,” he said.
Rick Priest will be Santa at this weekend’s Christmas Party Race day on December 1 from 12pm at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
