Kringleville: A magical Christmas tradition

Laila Libby, 4, of Waterville, speaks with Santa at the Waterville Parade of Lights on November 29. (photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)

Christmas season is underway in central Maine

by Mark Huard

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in downtown Waterville. (ohoto by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)

A message from Santa and Mrs. Claus to the spirited people of Kringleville, Maine USA! Thank you for welcoming us once again to the booming City of Waterville. We noticed that this year’s parade of lights was bigger and brighter than ever. We were so pleased to see so many floats and friends. We also noticed growth and development down your Main Street…Congratulations!

We are so thankful to S & S Carriage Rides for having Belle and Captain bring Santa Claus to town in style with Cathy, Elizabeth and Caitlyn. What would Kringleville and the City of Waterville do without the volunteerism of Scott McAdoo?

Scott makes a point to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus every season and extend his helping hand however needed by Kringleville. What a delight to see the Big E, Eric Lunt volunteering at the parade.

There were so many volunteers; firefighters, police officers, friends of Kringleville and so many more of you who contributed. Last season was full of Christmas magic in the Claus Cabin, at Castonguay Square, and this season has started out with lots of special visits and smiling faces. There have already been visitors to see Santa from Hawaii, China, Korea, Virginia, Arkansas, Connecticut and all over Maine and New England. Don’t miss your chance to see Santa this season!

Year after year, Kringleville has more and more visitors line up to visit with Jolly Old Santa. Last season, visitor after visitor commented to Santa and Mrs. Claus that though the wait can be long, once you’re inside the cabin you truly feel the magic of Christmas making it well worth the wait. Hearing it is “WORTH THE WAIT” again and again makes Santa and Mrs. Claus feel like visitor’s time in the cabin is special for each individual.

Mrs. C wants to remind all visitors of all ages, please dress appropriately for the weather. While waiting in line, you should have warm footwear, a warm hat, mittens and, of course, a warm jacket. Always prepare for the unexpected and bring an umbrella, too.

Kringleville continues with the support of The Children’s Discovery Museum led by Executive Director Amarinda Keys. Amarinda is a real go-getter and right on task whenever Santa and Mrs. Claus need something.

Thank you to the generous 2019 Kringelville sponsors; The Children’s Discovery Museum, Central Maine Chevy, Selah Tea Café, Day’s Jewelers and Bangor Savings Bank. Additional supporters are GHM Insurance, Marden’s, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Central Maine Photography and others who share in the Christmas spirit with Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and more.

Kringleville is a proud supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Again this season, proceeds from Santa and Mrs. C’s hand painted annual Kringleville collectable ornaments will help children in need.

All of us at the Kringleville appreciate the generosity of Central Maine Motors Auto Group being Kringleville’s major sponsor again this season! If you or your business would like to contribute to the success of this timeless Waterville tradition, please contact Amarinda Keys at The Children’s Discovery Museum at (207) 622-2209 or email amarinda@childrensdiscoverymuseum.org to ask how you too can be a part of the magic of Christmas at Kringleville.

Keegan Miranda, 8, of Augusta, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Kringleville in downtown Waterville following the Parade of Lights, on November 29. (photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)