Annual celebration of Santas on display at Albany’s Thronateeska Heritage Center

ALBANY – Albany’s plethora of Santas has arrived, lovingly placed on display on tables, walls, in a sleigh, and in the driver’s seat of the Bobs Candies classic Ford. On Saturday the Jolly Old Elf himself will arrive.

The Thronateeska Heritage Center’s annual Santa exhibit opened last week and will be on display through the end of the year, providing a panorama showcasing the evolution of old St. Nick, from the earliest depictions to modern versions, along with other Santa-related paraphernalia.

It’s all part of a collection amassed over Don Fisher’s more than four decades of embracing the role of Santa Claus.

Thronateeska is hosting the man in the red suit with an event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, with selfies with Santa available from 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

“I like the nostalgic ones,” Fisher said, “the ones where people say ‘I had one of these when I was a child.’”

The collection has been displayed in Albany each December for about 20 years, and Fisher encouraged anyone who has not seen the massive display to make this this holiday season to check out the menagerie.

“Albany is special to me,” he said. “I donate most of my Santa visits to Albany. I have been extremely busy this year. Altogether I’ve been to 44 places. I have Santa Claus about every day. Sometimes I have two or three or four, like (on) a Saturday.

Fisher’s reward is the joy he sees in the faces of the children and their parents when he is wearing the familiar red and white suit.

“It’s just, I know I’m making moments and I’m making memories … knowing I”m bringing joy and happiness and laughter to so many lives,” he said.

This year Thronateeska is decorating its train for a “Polar Express” experience for photos with St. Nick. Admission also covers the Santa Exhibit and planetarium. The museum also is featuring the history of Bobs Candies as part of the exhibit.

“Thronateeska is actually a repository for the family,” Jackie Entz, education director for the Artesian Alliance, which oversees the museum, said. “We have a film on how to make candy canes and the history of Bob McCormack, (the company’s founder and namesake).

“It is a wonderful way to spend your holiday season. The train is decorated. It’s a great photo opportunity.”

Museum admission is $5.50 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. The exhibit is also open during regular museum hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f714026fc83d6150ab9a4350b4169940?s=100&d=mm&r=gStaff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
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Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f714026fc83d6150ab9a4350b4169940?s=100&d=mm&r=g