Kringleville 2011:
Thanks for the Memories!

My Dear Friends from Central Maine and Beyond,

It is hard to believe that almost a month has passed since I left Kringleville to deliver the gift of love all over the world. Seeing so many of you this year filled my heart with true happiness.

Yes, my friends, the Kringleville 2011 season was an exciting one. We saw over 10,000 of you in the short amount of time we spent in Waterville. Of course, I also missed out on seeing some of you due to long lines. This made me very sad indeed, but Santa too has to be on a very tight schedule at Christmastime and always has other places to be. I am so sorry if you did not get a chance to see me. You are all so special to me. Please know that the organizers from Waterville Main Street and my North Pole team are already in negotiations on how to make the 2012 season even better. With each passing year we have seen more and more people at Kringleville and I am certain that our 43rd year in Castonguay Square will be just as busy and successful.

To all of you who participated in the Parade of Lights in November, thank you for making 2011's parade one of the brightest and most beautiful. It is always such a joy for Mrs. Claus, Cinnamon and I to see all your creative ideas. Thank you also goes out to my Santa Security at the parade led by Brianna Lund, the Waterville Police Department, and Eric Lunt for his DJ services and all the folks at Waterville Main Street that made it all happen. Your commitment to the children of Central Maine is truly remarkable.

To all our sponsors, we couldn't do it without you and we hope you continue to support this effort. Kringleville has been around for 42 years because of businesses and people like you.

Special thanks to Matt Skehan of Waterville Parks and Recreation and to Waterville Department of Public Works crews who set up and keep my cottage going every year. You are all appreciated for what you do for us. To the students of Waterville High School Key Club and their advisor, Hannah Fitzgerald - we made it another year. It is thanks to your dedication and commitment to community that we can do what we do for the children of Greater Waterville. We hope this partnership can continue for many years to come. Each and every one of all my volunteer elves holds a place in my heart.

This year's season wouldn't have been as successful as it was if it hadn't been for the wonderful press coverage. Many thanks go out to Mark Huard of Central Maine Photography (our Kringleville photographer) and of Turner Publishing, WABI TV, CNN, Oxford Networks, Mix107.9, 93.5 True Oldies and the photographers from the Morning Sentinel who covered Kringleville throughout the holiday season. You will never know how much we appreciate the work you do for us.

Lastly, to all of you, my young friends, because you BELIEVE I exist and can do all the work that I do. You try each and every year to be kind and respectful children and this always touches my heart. It is always a treat to return to Waterville, Maine, U.S.A. to visit with all of you. To those of you who bought Kringleville 2011 Keepsake Ornaments and to those who gave generous donations, your money went a long way in making sure many people had a wonderful Christmas. The funds carry over throughout the year as we support various charities. None of this is possible without YOU. You keep the magic and beauty of Christmas alive in your hearts and you help us spread the message of Christmas 365 days a year.

Remember my message throughout the year: “Keep kindness and love in your heart. Kindness will always win out. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Be respectful of everyone and know that if you believe in me, I will always believe in you. I love you all.”

I may not be with you physically over these many months, but I am always with you in heart, mind and spirit. Have a wonderful 2012 and I will see you all on November 23rd, 2012 as I enter the great little City of Waterville for the 43rd time. Hope to see you then.

Your Friend Forever,
Santa Claus