Ballard's favorite Santa Claus, Gordon Olsen entertained children and families at Bergen Place on Saturday to help kick off the holiday season.
With the Silver Bell Carolers singing holiday songs and Ballard Chamber of Commerce volunteers wearing their red and white Christmas hats, Santa arrived aboard a "Ride the Duck," vehicle that normally takes tourists around the city.
Santa quickly went to work greeting some children in strollers then settled down in a chair next to a Christmas tree.
Kevin Gordon Olsen, three years old was the first to sit on Santa's lap. He asked for "Lighting McQueen," a famous racecar.
"A lot of time they ask for the typical thing. Some say nothing, but their brother or sister likes this," said Santa.
This particular Santa has been putting on the red outfit for the last 12 years in Ballard. He was the official Santa at last month's Yuelfest at the Nordic Heritage Museum.
He has a real white beard. Starting in June each year, this Santa starts letting his beard grow so it's long enough by December. "Kids know the difference between a fake and real beard," Santa said.
Children can also ask for the most difficult things. "One girl asked me for a visit by her father. That's a hard one," Santa said.
Crystal Carlson, owner of the Great Harvest Bread Company said she had been waiting for Santa to come back. Santa used to visit Bergen Place in the past, but has been absent in recent years.
"The chamber is bringing it back in the old tradition," said Carlson.
"Yes we would like to make it a tradition on several weekends. We need to raise the money next year," said Beth Miller, Ballard Chamber of Commerce director.
Susan O'Neil brought her two and a half year old grandson Tate Brooks Williams to see Santa. He brought a small boat with Santa riding on it.
O'Neil welcomed the cold weather Saturday. She is visiting from Hilo, Hawaii where it's probably 82 degrees.
"I'm from here, so I love feeling cold," said O'Neil. She said in Hawaii, they do celebrate Christmas and people decorate palm trees with lights.
"Mele Kalikemaka," is the Hawaiian word for Christmas said O'Neil.
