Look Park keeps the magic of Santa Claus alive for children of all ages
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NORTHAMPTON - Leeds School first-grader Theo Stegall-Way waited with bated breath Wednesday at the entrance to the festively decorated room where Santa and his wife sat on high-backed chairs and a couple of Santa's helpers checked the list in search of his name.
Wearing a sweater and blue jeans, the 7-year-old confessed that although he'd tried to be good all year, he'd found it a little tough recently.
One of his moms, he said, "got a report from Santa that I was a little bit bad and a little bit good."
Luckily, the helper located his name on the list, although Theo wanted to see it for himself, just to be sure. Once inside, he cheerfully jumped on Santa's lap, accepted an apple from Mrs. Claus and discussed what he hoped to find under his tree Sunday morning, as well as how much he loves to read.
"I had four things on my list but I forgot a couple of things," he said. "The only two things I can remember is a kick-stand for my bike and another Webkins."
Mrs. Claus commented to Santa how odd it is that bikes no longer seem to come with kick-stands. Santa let Theo know his wants were reasonable, but also that he could make no promises.
"The only thing we guarantee is surprises," he said. "So I'll see you in a couple of days, OK? Leave me some cookies."
Theo is one of an estimated 3,500 children from around the region who will have visited Santa's Trains at Look Park, formerly known as Santa's Workshop, by the time the ever-popular feature closed for the season at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Santa's Workshop opened about 40 years ago at the former Pancake House at Look Park, moving to the park's train depot after the restaurant burned down. In 2009, the attraction moved from its longtime home at the park's train depot to the more spacious (and luxurious) Garden House.
Last year, Santa's Workshop expanded to include elaborate model train displays set up the Pioneer Valley S-Gaugers, a western Massachusetts-based group of model train enthusiasts, and was renamed Santa's Trains at Look Park.
Now in addition to getting a sit-down with Santa, visitors marvel at the intricate winter and holiday scenes set up around the train tracks, take part in scavenger hunts amid the displays, and take train rides around the park.
This is not a spot for anyone weary of the Christmas season. There are about 20 decorated Christmas trees set up around the rooms, and the fireplace, with its pointsettia displays on the hearth, proves a popular spot for picture-snapping, as, of course, does Santa's lap.
Among those who stopped by Wednesday was Hadley resident Max Pearson, a red-headed 3-year-old there with his grandparents, Jack and Shirley Thompson of Florida, and his mother, Debra Thompson.
It was the family's second visit this year, according to Debra Thompson, who said when they came last week, Max announced that he'd already met Santa, and didn't really want to do so again.
So, when Max marched up to Santa and sat on his lap without hesitation Wednesday, "We were thrilled," said Debra Thompson.
But truth be told, Max seemed more enamored of the trains display than his visit with Santa.
"He's obsessed with trains," said his mother.
Santa's Trains at Look Park, which has been open since Dec. 9, continues today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Christmas Eve, from noon to 4 p.m. Entrance to the workshop is free, but train rides around the park to view its light displays cost $5, with those 2 and under riding free.
