This young lad had lots of information to give to Santa Claus.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
By HENRY KAMER
The town’s 75th annual HO!HO!HO! holiday event took place at the Palisades-Malibu YMCA Simon Meadow on December 7. The event kicked off as Mr. and Mrs. Claus traveled by a Station 69 firetruck to the lot, giving the whole town some funny memories (I don’t think Saint Nicholas enjoyed that mode of transport). This reporter was lucky enough to snag a ride. As we rode down Sunset Boulevard from the fire station to Simon Meadow, lots of people waved, cheered and took photos.
When Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived on the hook-and-ladder firetruck at 1 p.m., the real fun started. Emcee and Palisades High School junior Jack Lockhart quickly introduced the polar couple and then moved onto the rest of the event.
While the Pali High Ambassadors served free hot chocolate and popcorn, the community got to enjoy dance performances from the Palisades’ own Fancy Feet, founded in 1992 by Emily Kay Tilman.
Fancy Feet dancers performed at HO!HO!HO!
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
There were song performances from Pali High juniors Ingrid Knap and Ella White as part of a 25-year-old tradition from Bluecat Music Voice Studio.
There was tap dancing and a special performance from students of the Palisades Studio. There was even a performance from timeless Palisadian Gerry Blanck and his martial arts students.
Apart from performances, kids and families could stroll around the Meadow, navigating through beautiful Christmas trees as they explored and possibly bought one (all proceeds went to the YMCA).
There was face painting and crafts for kids.
The highlight for many was visiting Mr. and Mrs. Claus (this reporter’s dad and the chief editor of this newspaper). Not to be biased, because we’re talking my dad and my boss, but I thought they were awesome. The dozens of small kids who lined up to chat and have their pictures taken with them seemed to agree.
Santa and Mrs. Claus asked kids what they wanted for Christmas and if they had been naughty or nice this year. There was also a box to drop off letters to the North Pole, which in this economy sounds like one expensive journey.
Kids, young and old, wanted to share their hopes for Christmas.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Now to the real deal, what did kids ask for Christmas? Among the requests were lots of Barbies, Barbie Mermaids, Llamas, puppies, Transformers, a Tesla Cyberquad (Cybertruck for kids, how very Palisadian), and world peace and true equality for all. Wow, the kids behind those last requests deserve a medal.
The event was a huge success and a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate its history, with the Palisades Historical Society giving a quick lesson of the town. If you’re in town next holiday season, be sure to stop by for some sweets and happy memories.
Palisades Studio dancers performed in Simon Meadow.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
The Palisades HoHoHo event began in 1949, initiated by the Chamber of Commerce. When the Caruso Village was completed in 2018, the Chamber of Commerce made the upsetting decision to stop hosting the event.
Swarthmore had been forever changed from its historical and communal significance. Remember when there used to be a sporting goods store in the Palisades and Terri’s/Mayberry Restaurant? Good times. Luckily, the YMCA and some Pali elves swooped in to make sure this fun and FREE tradition could continue. Wow, 75 years sure is a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Claus look really good for their age.
Santa and Mrs. Claus helped this baby celebrate his first magical visit.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
What great coverage by Henry Kamer!! I am so glad CTN has a new junior reporter.
Hats off to all who have continued to kept HO!HO!HO! going for all these 75 years. This is a such an important and fun community event. I would also like to give a shoutout to Rich Schmitt, photographer, who captures these events with such magic.