Santa’s at home in Everett

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 12, 2006

EVERETT – For three days each December, Santa and Mrs. Claus live in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood.

They open up temporary headquarters in a small shed on the side yard of a brightly decorated bungalow at 26th Street and Baker Avenue. A hand-painted sign on the shed door says, “Santa’s in (this afternoon.) Bring your camera.”

The couple, otherwise known as Brad and Norma Rae Pilkenton, set out hot cider and gingersnaps, don their best Claus wear and get comfortable on sturdy chairs. Then they wait.

Soon, a handful of children and their parents are in line for a visit. With their laps full of kids, Santa and Mrs. C. listen to whispered Christmas wishes and hand out soft toys from a big red bag at their side.

It’s a small thing, the Pilkentons say, but volunteering to play the famous couple helps neighborhood families who might not be able to afford a visit and photos with Santa at the mall.

“And when you see that look of trust and belief on a little kid’s face, there’s nothing that compares,” Norma said. “It’s a rough road ahead for most people. We don’t know what the future will hold for these children, but for a few afternoons a year, we bring them a little happiness.”

Santa is a true friend to Aidan Provo, who arrived Saturday via stroller for his visit with the Clauses. The boy, 3, and his parents, Mara Spieth and Greg Provo, live down the street from the Pilkentons.

“Aidan loves Brad,” said Greg Provo. “We couldn’t have better neighbors. Their yard is decked out all year long, and our son thinks it’s his own private Disneyland.”

The Pilkentons keep their front garden dressed up for each season and holiday, from Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s days, Independence and Veterans days, to Halloween and Thanksgiving. Christmas is the big finale. The yard is full of inflatable snowmen, shepherds and elves, hand-cut and painted wooden cartoon figurines and colored lights by the thousands.

After the holidays last year, Brad figures he spent nearly $300 extra for his electric bill.

“It’s a lot of work sometimes, but you only live once,” he said. “It’s all for the kids, and we’ll keep on doing this as long as we can.”

Last week, Brad, 68, was outside finishing up the lights and putting the final touches on the yard decorations while Norma was inside sewing a new dress for Mrs. Claus.

“She’s put on a few pounds since last Christmas,” Norma, 70, said with a laugh.

Brad’s costume still fits pretty well, and their frosty wigs still look sharp.

The Pilkentons have years of experience playing the Clauses. In fact, Brad, an Everett native, comes from a line of Santas. His father played Santa for many years for the families of Everett paper mill employees. He and Norma have worked their holiday magic for handicapped students at the Fircrest School in Shoreline, for the Downtown Everett Merchants Association, American Legion charity events and families on military bases.

A Marine Corps veteran, Brad met Norma at the American Legion hall, and they’ve been married 25 years. Between them, they have four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. And they like to have fun.

“I enjoy telling the kids how much I like chocolate milk,” Brad said. Later, he often hears good-natured complaints from parents who had to run to the store on Christmas Eve to pick up chocolate milk because regular milk with the cookies left out for Santa just would not do.

Sometimes, Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in their little house and wait awhile for the next group of kids to show up. They’ve had visitors from as far away as Lynnwood and Marysville.

“I could be watching a football game, but then I would miss an opportunity with the kids,” Brad said. “We’re just old fools who don’t know any better. And we love the kids.”

Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.

Pay Santa and Mrs. Claus a visit

Santa and Mrs. Claus will accept visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2602 Baker Ave., Everett. Their little Santa house is on 26th Street between Baker and Virginia avenues. Brad and Norma Rae Pilkenton say they dont need any help, but if toys are donated to them, they will forward any extras to Toys for Tots.