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Park Profile
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of their car. When Elaine asked what it was, her dad Rapid Transit Coaster by Zierer were installed. Santa
told her it was one of Santa's reindeer. also acquired trained macaws that would ride bikes on
Santa’s guests
These people did not believe in coincidence. It had a tightrope and roller-skate across the stage. In 1993
Group sales at Santa’s
to be fate that a Christmas theme park should rest on the Skyway Sleigh monorail from Hopkins was
Village account for only
that parcel of land. It wasn't long after they bought the installed, and in 1994 came Santa's Volunteer Fire
about 1% of attendance.
land that they began to construct the first buildings. Department. Santa's North Pole Workshop, the Polar
"Our groups consist of local
They opened the gates for the first guests on June 21, Theater and an arcade were built in 1997. Strangely, it area scout troops or summer
1953. was only that year that the park began opening during recreational groups," admits
With the assistance of 15 helpers and five buildings, Christmas. This new season became an immediate hit Elaine Gainer, the park's
guests enjoyed this hospitality that first year and this as Mr and Mrs Claus greeted thousands.
president. "We've begun
serene little park doubled in size the second. Additions
celebrating birthdays, but
such as Santa's Schoolhouse, the Blacksmith Shop,
haven't been actively
Santa's Workshop and St Nick's Chapel added to the
recruiting."
festivities. The third year brought the village its first live
Gainer cites the weather
entertainment, Francis the mule drinking oats from a
as being the park's greatest
whiskey bottle! With every season came new additions.
competition. "Last summer
The Dubois' determination along with community
was proof we lost that
support has made Santa's Village a success.
game, as it rained
In 1969, a new generation of Dubois continued the
throughout July and August
tradition. Son Paul along with son-in-law Mike Gainer,
almost everyday”.
who had married Elaine, teamed up as new managers.
But success brings success.
In the White Mountains
By then, Santa had installed three rides and hosted live
e
Caption
there are 17 other venues
ntertainment in the form of chicken and rabbit
situated within a radius of
dancing. Playgrounds, food shops and the animated
60 miles. There are natural
Jingle Jamboree were soon to follow as Santa entered
attractions such as the
the technological age. Soon more land was purchased
Flume Gorge or Lost River
for necessary expansion and additional parking.
Gorge, as well as theme
The 1980s brought more development as rides like
A Reindeer Rendezvous
parks and waterparks.
the Yule Log Flume from OD Hopkins and Rudy's
MAY 2009 31
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