The Minnesota North Star Santa organization is so proud to have two Hall of Fame Santas. We are so grateful for the guidance and direction given by these two wonderful Santas. We can never thank you enough for everything you have done for us and the group that you built, and left us to care for. “THANK YOU!”
Carl Immediato – Santa Carlucci
Inducted December 2017
A Lifetime of Joy: A Journey with Santa Claus
A Heart for Children
My journey as Santa Claus began in 1993, not as a grand plan, but as a simple act of kindness. Inspired by the spirit of the season, I volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army. Little did I know that this small step would lead me on a magical adventure that would span decades.
Over the next eight years, I dedicated countless hours to spreading holiday cheer as a volunteer Santa. Ringing bells for 20 hours a week during the six-week Christmas season over the next eight years provided me with invaluable insights into the role. I observed the reactions of children, learned the importance of patience, and honed my ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
A Passion for Giving
As my experience grew, so did my desire to bring joy to children beyond the Salvation Army. During those first 8 years, I began volunteering at local children’s hospitals, spreading laughter and hope to young patients. The heartwarming experiences I had there fueled my passion for making a difference in the lives of children.
My involvement as a Santa Claus extended beyond hospitals in 2001. I turned professional and started accepting bookings for home visits, company parties, and special events. This allowed me to share the magic of Christmas with families in a more personal setting.
A Leader in the Community
My journey as a Santa Claus was not just about spreading joy; it was also about fostering a sense of community among fellow Santas. In 1998, I joined the local North Star group, where I quickly became an active member. Recognizing the potential of technology to connect Santas, I introduced the group to Yahoo Groups, a platform for communication and collaboration.
I organized training sessions, information meetings, and mentoring opportunities, sharing my knowledge and experiences with other Santas. In 2002 I was selected as the North Central Division leader of the now defunct Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas. My duties were to help organize, educate, and communicate information from a national level down to the local community of Santas. As that organization eroded, my dedication to the community led me to serve on various national gathering committees, where I played a crucial role in shaping the future of the Santa Claus tradition.
A Legacy of Love
In 2010, I had the privilege of partnering with Cheryl Saxrud, who became my Mrs. Claus. Together, we became known for our exceptional props and accessories, which we proudly showcased at local and national gatherings. Cheryl’s creativity and enthusiasm were a constant source of inspiration.
Sadly, Cheryl passed away in 2018, leaving a void in the Santa and Mrs. Claus community. However, her legacy lives on through her contributions to our shared passion. I am grateful for the time we spent together and the memories we created.
A New Chapter
In 2018, I was fortunate to find a new partner in Jenny Lynn Beck. Jenny is not only a wonderful Mrs. Claus but also a talented creator of festive Mrs. Claus accessories. She has become a mentor to aspiring Mrs. Clauses, sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of Christmas performers.
Together, Jenny and I have had the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people, appear in films, television shows, and radio programs, and share our experiences on social media. We are proud to be recognized as influencers in the Santa Claus community, inspiring others to spread joy and holiday cheer.
A Lasting Impact
As I reflect on my 30+year journey as a Santa Claus, I am filled with gratitude for the countless blessings I have received. I have had the opportunity to bring joy to countless children, connect with people from all walks of life, and contribute to the rich tradition of Santa Claus.
I am honored to have been inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in 2017, a recognition of my contributions to this community that I share with my partners and all the wonderful people who have supported me along the way.
My commitment to the Santa Claus community remains strong, and I continue to be active in local and national organizations. I believe that the spirit of Christmas is timeless, that ” you don’t pick Santa, Santa picks you” and that the joy and wonder it brings can have a lasting impact on our lives.
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Sid Fletcher – Santa Sid
Inducted December 2018
