Southport lights it up for Santa’s arrival

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 12:00pm

    Approximately 75 excited children and happy adults gathered at the Southport General Store Friday night, Dec. 1 for the annual Southport’s Light Up ceremony, sponsored by the Southport Island Association. The children contained their enthusiasm before the arrival of Santa Claus — who arrived aboard his motorcycle behind a fire truck escort — long enough to sing a few Christmas carols with the adults in attendance. Southport Central School music teacher Jennifer McIvor accompanied the singing on guitar.

    Once the singing was done, the Christmas lights on the school property across the street were illuminated. Children ran to the edge of the store’s driveway and began screaming in delight as they knew Santa would soon arrive.

    The jolly old elf, carrying a sack of gifts for the children, led the group in the singing of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” before handing out the gifts as he asked each child what their names were. “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night,” yelled Santa as he headed off into the dark night aboard his shiny red motorcycle.

    As the children opened their bags filled with gifts, adults began making their way into the store for some free pizza slices and warm cider, provided by owners Oliver and Janet Cusano.