Nicholas of Myra LLC Film Group Aligns with the Santa Claus Oath Foundation

February 11, 2011

BUFFALO, NY ----- St. Nicholas of Myra LLC, currently in production with the motion picture Nicholas of Myra (NOM)-The Story of St. Nicholas, has announced an alliance with the Santa Claus Oath Foundation. Dan Argenas, Director of Communications for NOM, LLC thinks the alliance will help spread the word to St. Nicholas aficionados on a global basis. “Oath author Phil Wenz and the Santa Oath Foundation are committed to helping us keep the various Santa Claus organizations up to speed on the progress of the film and how they can create buzz about NOM in their own part of the globe,” shares Argenas.

The Santa Claus Oath (SCO) Foundation is an establishment specializing in the preservation and perpetuation of the Santa Claus Oath, the ‘Santas’ of the past, Santa history, and Santa artifacts as a chronological part of the Legend of Santa Claus. Their goal is to educate the current and future generations of those who would be a Santa Claus in the tradition of St. Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.

The SCO Foundation works with many of the St. Nicholas and Santa groups throughout the US and in many other countries. These groups work to promote and expand the message about Nicholas the man who ultimately became St. Nicholas, an immortal symbol and the cornerstone of many of our present Christmas traditions.

The Santa Claus Oath Foundation looks forward to helping spread the film’s message to the over 3,000 Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and helpers whom have signed and pledged the Santa Claus Oath. The entire Foundation takes the historical events surrounding the life of Nicholas very seriously as the Oath principle states, “I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of Saint Nicholas, the gift giver of Myra.”

Wenz agrees, “We feel that it is very important this motion picture project be completed and the Santa groups around the world will participate in every way possible to help in the success of the telling of the story of the Bishop of Myra. With the Foundation’s network of the Santa communities, our contacts within the sponsorship development industry, and the passion we hold for the Christian message, the Santa Claus Oath Foundation sees this as a great journey into the base of Keeping Christ in Christmas.”

Jerry Hartke, the film’s creator and Director had planned to align with the majority of the global St. Nicholas groups and understands the value of “spreading the buzz” regarding the progress of the film. Hartke takes it a step further, “We are building a vital line of communication to these important groups beginning with Phil Wenz. With the SCO Foundation we can cover a great deal of territory quickly when it comes to keeping our audience informed. As we complete the production phase of the film, we are committed to providing updates and information to our global fan-base.”

The Santa Claus Oath Foundation will begin the communication process to Santa Claus organizations with a special Nicholas video, a film teaser, and discussion information to Santa groups use at upcoming meetings.

About the film, Nicholas of Myra – The Story of St. Nicholas

Orphan, saint, immortal… Nicholas was born to Greek parents in the city of Patara during the latter part of the Third Century A.D., on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Orphaned while still young, Nicholas inherited his father’s vast fortune -- an event that served as the catalyst for a journey of self-discovery that one day led him to the city of Myra (presently Demre, Turkey). There he came to live a dual life, as a devout bishop by day, and an anonymous gift-bearer by night. Few people know of the many legends that surround his familiar name -- even fewer know the history behind the saint.

After years of extensive development, Nicholas of Myra Writer/Director Gerald Hartke took ambitious steps to finally realize the never-before-told story for movie audiences to enjoy. Although the screenplay had drawn interest from mainstream entertainment studios, it was not until the project caught the attention of a group of Western New York investors that the production began to accelerate. Along with Executive Producer Thomas J. Mallare, Hartke launched Nicholas of Myra LLC in 2005 and assembled a talented team of actors and filmmakers, as well as state-of-the-art digital cinema technology, needed to bring the epic motion picture to the big-screen.

Fueled completely by independent financing, the production remains headquartered in a 4,000 square foot studio/soundstage in suburban Western New York and has already garnered national, as well as international, attention. With the end of production clearly in sight, the goal now is to complete what might be considered the most ambitious independent film ever attempted, while showcasing the diverse beauty and talent of Western New York in an unprecedented fashion. For more information on the film, Nicholas of Myra – The Story of St. Nicholas, please visit www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com

About the Santa Claus Oath

The Santa Claus Oath document outlines eight principles that any portrayer of Santa Claus should follow. Created in April 2008 by Phillip L. Wenz, the Santa from Santa's Village, the Oath was inspired by two legendary Santa Clauses, Charles W. Howard of Albion and Jim Yellig of Santa Claus, Indiana. For more information on the Santa Claus Oath, please visit www.SantaClausOath.com

The Santa Claus Oath

I will seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and good will to all the people that I encounter in my journeys and travels. I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults. I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa, is myself. I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion. I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it. I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers. I promise to use “my” powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend. I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of Saint Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.

Copyright © 2011 Wonderworker Pictures / Nicholas of Myra LLC

To downstater inducted into Santa Claus Hall of Fame, portraying St. Nick no laughing matter

Chicago Tribune
By Lisa Black, Tribune reporter
December 21, 2010

At age 4, Phil Wenz was no bigger than an elf when he slipped on his dad's red flannel shirt and pajama pants and used safety pins to hold up a white kerchief beard. It was the beginning of what would become a full-time career as Santa Claus.

The payoff came this week when Wenz, 48, learned he has been selected as a charter member of the Santa Claus Hall of Fame (santaclaushall.com). His portrait, along with those of 13 other famous jolly old men, will be displayed in an exhibit at the Santa's Candy Castle tourist attraction in — you guessed it — Santa Claus, Ind. Of the inaugural group, Wenz is the only living member.

The downstate native has marched in parades, toured hospitals and held court for more than 20 years at Santa's Village in Dundee.

"I probably have had a couple million people crawl across me," said Wenz, of Crescent City, about 25 miles south of Kankakee.

With a daughter named Holly — she once joked that she could find him in any mall — Wenz takes this Santa stuff seriously. It takes two hours for him to make up his face and glue on a $1,500 beard and wig.

"To me, it's just normal," he said. "It's the only job I have ever had."

Asked what he would put on his holiday wish list, Wenz grew thoughtful.

He savors the history of St. Nicholas and Christmas past. Today he receives fewer "Dear Santa" letters and more electronic Tweets, which are difficult for his stubby fingers to master.

"There's too much commercialism," he said. "We need to slow down and look in our rearview mirror and see where we are going."

Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune

Beloved Santa headed to the hall of fame

Daily Herald - 12/20/2010
By JAMEEL NAQVI

Phil Wenz first donned the white beard and plush red hat when he was 4 years old.

Forty-four years later, Wenz's affection for the character variously known as Kriss Kringle, Papa Noel and Father Christmas has earned him a trip to the Santa Claus Hall of Fame in Santa Claus, Ind.
Wenz, who played Santa Claus at East Dundee's Santa's Village for more than 20 years, got the call Monday morning informing him he was one of 14 legendary Santas who will make up the hall of fame's charter class.

Of the 14 charter members, including the first department store Santa and several men born in the 19th century, Wenz is the only one still living.

“The 13 other gentlemen have already passed on, so it's an honor,” Wenz said. “It still hasn't sunk in yet.”

He added: “I'm 48 years old, and I've been playing Santa for 44 years. That's kind of bizarre.”

Wenz's portrayal of Santa began in earnest in the late '70s, when he was a teenager in downstate Watseka. The local chamber of commerce asked him to play Santa for its annual Christmas parade and Santa House promotion.

Wenz accepted and played Santa for the next eight years while he earned his high school diploma and college degree.

Shortly after graduating, Wenz was hired by the Instant Photo Corp., which led in 1986 to Wenz becoming full-time Santa at Santa's Village.

The gig at Santa's Village led to numerous appearances in parades, corporate events and television specials. Although Santa's Village closed in 2006, Wenz has continued to play Santa full time, including around 60 appearances each year during the holiday season.

In his 40 years in character, Wenz has watched the growing commercialization of Christmas and Santa Claus.

“I think Santa can get overexposed,” Wenz mused. “Anything in excess is not a good thing. Sometimes the magic is taken away.”

But Wenz has also seen Santa weather the advances of the electronic age, with kids now texting their wish lists and asking for expensive gadgets like iPods.

“He'll adjust to the times,” Wenz said. “Everybody does.”

Copyright © 2010 Paddock Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Santa's Village-Gone Wild Book to Be Released in November 2010

He’s making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…

SANTA’S VILLAGE - GONE WILD!

New book chronicles behind-the-scene mischief at iconic East Dundee Park!

EAST DUNDEE, IL -----The small village of East Dundee has a very rich history of unique people and places, but none are as colorful as the iconic theme park Santa’s Village! A landmark for 50 years, the park had been a summertime favorite for guests and employees alike. Over 11,000 people have worked at Santa’s summer home and now a few of the ex-elves are telling some tales of tomfoolery that took place.

SANTA'S VILLAGE - GONE WILD! - is a revealing look at some of the fun, hilarious, and outrageous stories that took place over the nearly five decades Santa's Village was open. Summers spent working at Santa's Village was a rite of passage for thousands of high-school kids growing up in the Chicago suburbs. It was to teach responsibility and life lessons, while bridging the gap from adolescence to adulthood in a safe environment.

Former summer employee Christopher Dearman shares some behind-the-scenes stories of his two seasons spent working in the hot sun. “Santa’s Village was my first job.” Dearman stated. “The experience was rewarding on many levels. I learned how to work and play at the same time.”

Dearman has collected many stories, quotes, and memories that were submitted by numerous former employees. These recollections paint an unforgettable insight in to the coming of age tales that could only happen if you were one of the lucky ones who worked at Santa’s Village. He even interviewed Santa Claus.

“This is a fun book, about a fun place, and the fun people that worked there.” said longtime Santa and park historian, Phillip L. Wenz. “As with all places that employ teenagers, there were shenanigans that went unnoticed by the management. That just happens.” Wenz provided the “forward” to the book, along with the historical content and his personal insights.

With an historical timeline spanning the nearly five decades the park was open, readers now can learn shocking secrets about Santa’s Village. Secrets of the frozen North Pole, the after-hours parties, park hanky panky, as well as answering some questions about the park’s urban legends. Learn the details of Santa’s Village’s sentimental last day, why the oversized mushrooms were a part of the park, and much, much more!

“The book captures the memories of the people who worked at the park, and puts into perspective what it meant to be part of a Chicagoland summer tradition.” added Dearman. “Santa’s Village holds a special place in my life and the lives of those who got to work there. It’s a magic all its own.”

Giving back...

Over my career I have had numerous opportunities to be involved with some great events and people. I learned early on that the "bigger" you become, the more you have to give back.

In 1995 during a hot summer's day at Santa's Village a young boy and his parents entered Santa's House to have a visit with me. The young man looked like any other boy his age, but his parents were acting peculiar. I talked with the boy for a while and at the conclusion his father thanked me for my time. About two weeks passed and the same boy and his parents came back to the park. This time the boy looked different. He was losing his hair. It dawned on me that this child was sick. After talking to the child, his mother took the boy out into the park. His father approached me and thanked me. He knew of me from some publicity that was published. He told me that his son was very sick and truly believed in Santa. I thanked him for coming to the park and if there was anything I could do to help? "Pray." he said. I took his name, phone number and then arranged for his family to have some passes to the park.

I got to know this family very well that summer and as the park's season was coming to a close, I asked the young man what he truly wanted for Christmas. "I want to fly with you and the reindeer." he replied. I was in trouble. I said, "Let me ponder that and I'll see what I could do." About a month passed by when I phoned his father to see how the boy was. His Dad said he was hanging in there, but all he talks about is Santa and the reindeer. I told him I was trying to think of a way to grant his wish. I had access to live reindeer but I was sure I could not get them to fly. I told his Dad I would keep in touch.

In early November of that year I was at a meeting of the Chicago Christmas Parade Association. During this planning session a thought occurred to me. I pulled the president of the association aside, told him of this little boy and that I had a plan. We sat in private for about an hour and upon leaving the meeting I knew that I could grant the boy's wish. I phoned the boy's father and told him to have his son and wife on Michigan Avenue a couple blocks north of the Art Institute on parade day.

The day of the parade I did my normal stuff and when my call time came, I mounted the "Miracle on 34th Street" Santa float. (This was the same float used in the re-make.) I glided up Michigan Avenue into the TV zone at the Art Institute. After the TV was off, we proceeded up the street. I signaled down to the vehicle pulling the float to stop. This was an unplanned move. No one except the president of the association and myself knew what was about to happen. The Jeep Cherokee pulling the float stopped and I signaled to one of the street marshals to come over to the float. I told him to go over into the crowd, get the young boy, his parents and bring them to the float. He did this with a perplexing look. As the family approached I asked the father to hand me up the boy and for the street marshal to put his parents in the vehicle. When all was in place I signaled the float to precede with the young man standing in front of me. I handed him the reins and said, "They are all yours. Fly'em up Michigan Avenue."

The million plus people on the streets of Chicago saw a young boy's dream come true that day. The crowd new something was special about this boy and cheered him. At the end of the parade route the Chicago Mounted Police surrounded the float as the boy and I disembarked. The media was in frenzy as to what just took place. The Police ushered the boy and his family into a squad car and took them back to their vehicle. We needed to preserve this young man's identity. I got into my limo and went back to my hotel knowing full well what was about to happen. The public relations director of the parade was instructed to give a statement. The media respected that statement and only a few photos were published of the event.

The boy died a few days before Christmas that year.

Just as in any other career or vocation, if you can help a fellow human being, you do it. I just happened to be in the right situation to "grant" his wish. It was also my responsibility.

Santa's Village-Gone Wild!

I have been asked to participate and write the forward for a new book on Santa’s Village. After numerous meetings with the author (a former park employee) and getting to know the project first hand, I agreed. Donating my time to this endeavor is important as the author has agreed to donate a portion of the profits of the book to the Make a Wish Foundation.


SANTA'S VILLAGE - GONE WILD! By Christopher Dearman is a revealing look at some of the fun, hilarious & outrageous stories that took place over the five decades Santa's Village in Dundee, IL was open.

Summers spent working at Santa's Village was a right of passage for thousands of high-school kids growing up in the Chicago suburbs. It was to teach responsibility and life lessons, while bridging the gap from adolescence to adulthood in a safe environment.

We can now lift the curtain and show what REALLY went on behind the scenes...

This book will be a window into the past to see some of the coming of age stories that could only happened if you were one of the lucky ones to work at Santa's summertime home.

Note: This book is not being written to hurt or embarrass anyone connected to Santa’s Village in anyway! Our intent is to capture memories of the people that worked at the park and put into perspective what in meant to be part of a Chicagoland summer tradition. Stories will be verified for context and content. This is a fun book, about a fun place and the fun people that worked there. As with all places that employ teenagers, there were shenanigans that went unnoticed by the management, and thus the name: SANTAS VILLAGE GONE WILD!

For more information on this upcoming book visit www.santasvillagegonewild.com

Odd Man Out

I have been involved in many “Santa” parades…matter of fact 30 of them…from televised parades in large cities like Chicago and Houston, to small parades in rural communities and beyond. So it was kind of odd for me when I was not in full regalia for the Holly and Shamrock Parade at Celebrate Santa. I was involved in the parade, but in a different role this time.

I had the wonderful opportunity to be one of the co-hosts for the syndicated broadcast of this event. And I must say that I had the best seat in the house. To be able to watch and comment on such a fantastic parade was more fun than a Santa in a cookie bakery.


Watching from above the parkway, on the balcony of the Midtown Lodge, the view was incredible. To see the nearly 600 participants all dressed in red, white and green proceeding down the winding road towards the TV zone brought a tear to my eye. This was going to be a parade with Santa like no other before.

The police estimated the crowd at nearly 20,000 people. The fathers, mothers, children and families that lined the street were at a Mardi Gras pitch. You could see excitement and feel it in the air. The atmosphere was pure magic!

As the parade progressed below our vantage point, I saw the faces of the hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Claus and elves beam with as much excitement as the spectators that viewed the parade. Somewhere during this event, the reality of the real world was suspended and the fantasy of childhood became the reality.


Even Mother Nature got in on the act. The preceding days before the parade it had rained, but on parade day the sky was as blue as the ocean and there were only a couple clouds in the sky. Some how deep inside, I knew that up there in the clouds were Charles (Howard), Jim (Yellig), Bill (Strother) and even St Nicholas looking down with smiles on their faces.

As the parade ended, we rapped up the broadcast and headed back up to the convention center. As I walked, I listened to the comments of the people who had just seen this event. Needless to say, the comments reflected my feelings…it was just spectacular!

As I stated before, it was odd for me not being in this parade, but this time I was happy being the odd man out.

Thank You Celebrate Santa

The Celebrate Santa Convention is now part of our collective memory and history. Words cannot express the wonderful experiences that DeAnn and I had in Gatlinburg. It took nearly 700 hundred Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves, helpers and vendors to make up the expo at the beautiful Mills Auditorium and Convention Center. There were many others who could not attend and were very much a part of this gathering.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joe and Mary Moore for asking me to be a part of this. I also thank Tim Mack for being the “glue” that held the convention together. These three allowed me to have free range to create the opening and closing power points for the convention. I also would like to thank Bill Sadowski, who worked behind the scenes. Bill is that very important tangible that most never see that helped bring it all together at the expo.


The media chairs, Michael Rielly and Dutch Schrap worked hard before and at the convention. Dutch stepped in when Mike could not make it and did a great job. This was by no accident, as the media plan that was developed was strong. Special thanks to Jerry Owens, Gary Isaacson and David Troutman who worked in the media room and as escorts for reporters.

Great appreciation and thanks to the Santa Claus Oath Committee members who were at the convention:
Jerry Owens / Co-Chairman
Gary Isaacson / Co-Chairman
Danny Nease
Ron Breech
David Troutman
Tom Kliner
Diana Owens
David Hoopes
Penny Hoopes
Dutch Schrap
Bill Sadowski
Ken Fulkerson
Owen Davenport
Barry Walzberg
Lesa Walzberg
Carl Carlucci
Kona Gant
Bill Young
Sam Militello
Dennis Blanden
Harold “Buddy” Norvell
Everett Johnson
Steve Gillham
Dennis Wendling
Gloria Wendling
DeAnn Johnson-Wenz

Special thanks to Keith and Cynthia Burton, who stopped by Holland, Michigan on their way down to the convention to pick up part of the display from Carol Myers of the St. Nicholas Center… and thanks to Carol Myers for providing the display.

Thanks to the chairs of Celebrate, Bob Elkin, Amy Abell, Dana Mack and Tom Zimecki for all their hard work and time.

Thanks to Jim Morrison of the National Christmas Center for bring some of his displays.

Thanks to Steve Small for researching the Santa groups and compiling their information and Tom Sheerin for working on the Traveling Oath Project. Steve and Tom could not make the convention but are very much a part of Celebrate Santa.

This convention owes a debt of gratitude to the Charles W. Howard family and the Jim Yellig family for being a part of Celebrate Santa.

To Mr. Charles Bergeman, grandson of Charles W. Howard…Thank you and your family for being a part of the Santa Claus Oath.

To Mr. Will Koch, grandson of Jim Yellig…Thank you and your family for being part of the Santa Claus Oath.

To Mrs. Pat Koch, the daughter of Jim Yellig, thank you for your recorded message that was shown during the Oath Ceremony.

To the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School alumni, thank you for letting me speak at your gathering at the Inn at Christmas Place after the convention.

To Paul Werne, Public Relations and Media Director of Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana. Thanks you and your staff for all the help over the last couple months.

To Kevin Klosowski of Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana. Thanks for all that you have done behind the scene for the Santa Claus Oath. It is very much appreciated.

To my Mrs. Claus DeAnn, thanks are not enough for all that you have done.


As I took the stage after the Oath slide show, I was given a standing ovation. I truly was humbled and I thank you all for that honor on behalf of all those who helped me on my journey to be standing there at that moment. It is truly appreciated.

If I have forgotten to thank anyone, I thank you now.

Celebrate Santa is over, but the emotions and memories will last a lifetime. Thank you all and the Santa Claus world for letting me be a part of it.

Sincerely,
Phillip L. Wenz

New Development on Santa's Village

Media Release
For Immediate Release
November 24, 2008

“Santa’s Village” to launch Christmas Season at Grand Bear Lodge

Possible new location for famous theme park at Grizzly Jack’s Resort in Utica, Illinois.

UTICA, IL-----Three years have passed since the Santa’s Village theme park in East Dundee closed its doors. A few attempts have been made on reopening the park at its old location, but without success. Well, now Santa is looking at a possible new location.

Santa Claus and officials from Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge and Resort in Utica met last week to discuss possible plans on recreating a Santa’s Village on the property of the 90 million dollar resort. The Resort already owns some of the famous rides and props from the East Dundee theme park. Future plans would also possibly include some of the historic buildings and static displays from the IL Rts. 25 and 72 location.

“Santa’s Village remains a great memory for many people across the Midwest.” stated Joe Hook, general managing partner of Grizzly Jack’s Resort. “We look forward to creating this new magic for generations to come.”

The new park is in the planning stages and would not open for about two years, but that won’t stop the Resort from having many events and attractions this upcoming Christmas and into next summer that relate to Santa’s Village. There is even a new webpage, www.SantasVillageAtGrandBear.com where people can ask questions, make comments and suggestions on the project.

The Christmas season at Grand Bear Lodge will kick off on Friday November 28th with Santa Claus arriving at the resort. Santa will be Phillip L. Wenz, the Santa from Santa’s Village. He will also be making appearances on Sundays during the Holidays at the Resort’s “Sunday Brunch with Santa.” On Wednesday, December 10th, Santa will hold a very special “Storytime” at the Lodge.

Wenz will also be putting on display some of his memorabilia collection from Santa’s Village.

Plans next summer include a portion of the Resorts property to be developed into a temporary home for Santa’s Village. Guest will be able to ride historic attractions like the Snow Ball ride and the Convoy Trucks. Even Santa will be there with some of his original park props including the frozen North Pole. Negotiations for other props from the original location are being considered by the East Dundee property owner Sterling Bay/Griffon Associates.

"The site of the former amusement park at IL Rts. 72 and 25 in East Dundee is at the center of what will one day be a significant development for the village of East Dundee and the surrounding communities.” stated Patrick O’Connor, partner with Sterling Bay. “Whether that development includes some elements of the former Santa's Village theme park is yet to be seen. Despite the current economic slowdown, we continue discussions with a number of interested parties."

Santa’s Village in East Dundee opened in May of 1959 and officially closed its doors in May of 2006.

“There has always been open dialogue on the subject of Santa’s Village with Sterling Bay and Grizzly Jack’s Resort since the park’s assets were auctioned in October 2006.” commented Santa Phillip L. Wenz. “Everyone involved knows each other and everyone wants to do the right thing for Grizzly Jack’s, the East Dundee property and the future of Santa’s Village.”

# # # # #

About Santa’s Village at Grand Bear Lodge

A webpage where people can make ask questions, make comments and suggestions on the project. Please visit www.SantasVillageAtGrandBear.com

About Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge and Resort

Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge and Resort has expressed building a Santa’s Village near their current property off IL Rte. 178. The Lodge has Illinois’ first indoor water park along with miniature golf and a 36,000 square foot indoor amusement park. The park would become part of an ever growing destination that already includes resort suites, vacation villas, and cabins. Over 2 million visitors visit the attractions and state parks near Utica each year. For more information on Grizzly Jack’s, please visit www.grizzlyjacksresort.com

About Sterling Bay Companies

Sterling Bay Companies is a full service commercial real estate firm based in Chicago. Founded in 1986, Sterling Bay has been actively involved in the development or redevelopment of over $300 million of office, retail, industrial, telecom, and laboratory properties. From West Loop brick and timber rehabs to Class A office campuses, Sterling Bay has built commercial real estate success with a hands on approach and an unrelenting commitment to their projects. For more information on Sterling Bay, please visit www.sterlingbay.net

About Santa Claus, Phillip L. Wenz

Phillip L. Wenz donned his first Santa Claus suit at the age of four. By the time he was fourteen he was in his first parade, and by the ripe old age of twenty-four, he became the year round Santa Claus for the iconic Santa’s Village in East Dundee, Illinois. An association he has now had for more than twenty years. Wenz has appeared in nationally televised parades, commercials, and at some of the nation’s largest corporate and civic holiday events. His resume also includes work in Santa Claus, Indiana at the Historic Candy Castle, consulting on Christmas programs, and being a published author. For more information on Santa Claus or Santa’s Village please visit www.SantafromSantasVillage.com

Media Contact

Angie Garcia
Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort
IL RT 178
Utica, Illinois 61373
(708) 301-9804 x 13
E-mail: agarcia@grandbearlodge.com

# # # # #

Holly

Just a really good kid. I have one child and she is a wonderful young lady in her early twenties. Holly is part of not only my life and family; she is part of my Santa Claus world. As a child she came out to Santa’s Village to see me and enjoyed the park. She knew that I “helped” Santa. When I did have a day off, I would take her around the park and enjoy Santa’s Village just as any other parent would.

I often wonder how she felt about having a father that was basically Santa all the time. Other fathers were firemen, managers and such, but her's is a year round Santa…all of her life. She could not tell her friends as no one would believe her. Think about it. Here is a child who has been to Santa’s House, seen the frozen North Pole, feeds the deer, rides in a sleigh and can do it when ever she pleases. (Thanks to all the props at the park.)


I was always busy at Christmas time of course. She would come see me at one of the locations I might be working at. I travel a lot and did back then too, so I was rarely home during the Holiday Season. I imagine her memories of childhood at Christmas are “Dads gone again.” Which I was. I can count on one hand the Christmas Eves and Christmas Days she and I have been together.

I do believe her childhood was tainted by me and my job. My wife and I told her there was a “real Santa” but I don’t think the magic of Santa was ever there for her. How could it be? I did take her to see Santa when she was little, but you could see it in her eyes she wasn’t buying it. After she grew up a bit, Holly often joked that if she wanted to see me all she had to do was walk into any mall and I would be sitting in center court.

Our memories of Santa relate to her and I doing things together. Each year for about eight or nine years, I would photograph her sitting in Santa’s Chair by herself at the park. I now have my daughter growing up in pictures in that chair. She filmed a couple commercials with me along with some print work.


I was asked by some other Santas why I just didn’t try to hide the fact I was Santa from Santa’s Village. That way she could enjoy the magic. How would she feel though when she found out? The daughter of a very famous Santa once told me to never hide the facts of what I do from her. In the long run, that was the best advice I ever got.

Today, I think Holly has some very fond memories of Santa and the experiences she got to have. She has a unique perspective on the whole issue. The day she was born she was Santa’s daughter and the same is true to this very day. She sees me every now and then in full regalia and when people get excited to see “Santa” she just smiles and says, “That’s just my Dad.”


Thanks Holly for sharing and this “Santa” will always keep your name in his good book.

Santa Don Goers

To me there is only one Santa Claus that is really Santa from Santa’s Village and that man is Don Goers. An Algonquin, Illinois native, Don first came to Santa’s Village in 1959 as part of the maintenance department. He started to help out “Santa” that same year by playing the part to give a day off to the main Santa. He is among the original gentlemen who played the role at the park in 1959.

Goers made “Santa” his own in 1966 taking the role over fulltime that year. As Santa, he invoked a jolly demeanor that was more a reflection of his personality making him a natural for the character. His wide smile and hearty belly laugh was his trademark.

Spending twenty years at Santa’s Village in the maintenance department and then as Santa, Goers saw the park grow from just a few rides and attractions to the addition of the Polar Dome and the “Coney Island “ section. Each year, tens of thousands of children visited him in Santa’s House and throughout the park. Leaving the park in 1979, he returned only once to be Santa again. It would be in 1994 on the 35th anniversary year of the park.

I met Don Goers as a child many years before I was to become his successor. I would not meet him again until some 27 years later during the Christmas of 1993 at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee, Illinois. I was the opening day shift Santa that year. Sometime during the course of that Christmas Season while out shopping, Don and his wife came up to the Santa set at the mall and started to have a small conversation with the photo operation manager. After this conversation, Don came up and introduced himself to me. Of course hearing his name I knew exactly who he was.

We chatted for a minute and I asked if he would stick around a few minutes as my shift was about to end. He agreed. After I was out of costume, Don, his wife and I sat in my dressing room talking about Santa and Santa’s Village. We had a lot in common. The conversation lasted about an hour when we exchanged phone numbers.

Spring of 1994 saw Santa’s Village celebrate 35 years of being a landmark in the Northern Fox River Valley. As the park’s season progressed, I thought it would be neat if I could have Don come back for a day and be Santa once again at Santa’s Village. After a few phone calls between us and he agreed. June saw Santa Don Goers return to Santa’s Village.

The day started off with me meeting Don in the main office. (It wasn’t like he didn’t know his way around.) From there I took him to the dressing room where he changed into his costume. When he walked out in full regalia as Santa, you could see a little smile beneath his moustache. Standing in front of me was the Santa that I knew as a child.

Santa Don and I went out of the dressing area and over to Santa’s House. I opened the door for him and for the first time in 15 years, Don was back “home” once again. He sat in Santa’s chair and rapped his knuckles on the chair. It was of course the same chair that he and all who ever played the character had sat in.

I left Santa’s House for a few minutes and when I came back, I glanced in the window. It was strange feeling peering into the house. There was Santa, in his house, just as I remembered him as a child. Walking inside, I felt as I had just traveled back into time. Don Goers had changed himself into Santa Claus and he had change me into a little boy once again. It was magic.

Don played Santa all day that day. A few newspapers came out to interview him. It was his day, but it was also my day. It is not too often that two people form different eras have a chance to interact and share some of the same experiences. Each of us got to go back in time for a brief moment. In age we are 38 years apart, but in the Santa’s Village world we share so much and the same role. We will always be connected by that common bond.


I still see Santa Don every now and then. I enjoy the conversations and enjoy the fact that we have the opportunity to talk about the park. Of all my days at Santa’s Village, the day I got to “re-visit” with Santa is by far my most cherished.

The last day...

The last day that Santa’s Village in Dundee, Illinois would be open to the public was on September 18, 2005. The Polar Dome shut its doors in May of 2006. Forty six years had passed since my first predecessor “Santa” Jim Combs opened the gates to the Village in 1959. And 50 years had passed since the first “Santa’s Village Santa” Carl Hansen opened the first of Glenn Holland’s three Santa’s Villages. Hansen opened up the Sky Forest, CA location in 1955 and he opened the second park in 1957 at Scotts Valley, CA. The Sky Forest park was opened for 43 years and closed in 1998, while the Scotts Valley’s park closed in 1978 after a 21 year run. Dundee outlasted them all with 46 years.

I arrived at Santa’s Village early that day in September of 2005. I wanted to take in the whole experience of this day. Rumors had been flying that the park was going to be sold and this was just another closing day. None of the people that worked at the park on that last day thought this was going to happen. And of course it did not.

This last day was a passing. A passing of a dream, the passing of magic and most importantly the passing of the people who worked at Santa’s Village over the years. I could not help but think of these people as I began my day as Santa. I knew this might be the last time that I was in Santa’s House visiting guests and entertaining the young at heart.

It was a weird day from the start. A pretty good size crowd was there that day, all with cameras. In reality, more pictures were probably taken in the park that day than in any day in the last 40 years. People just soaked it all in.

By 1:00 pm you could see some of the management of the park getting a little emotional of the day. Visitors came and went in a steady pace all day in Santa’s House. I kept my composure until Debbi, the long time manager of the barn and petting zoo, came into Santa’s House. Debbi, like a few others had been associated with the park for decades. Her smiling face and tear soaked eyes got to me.

Her visit made me realize what Santa’s Village means to a lot of people…family. Whether you worked out at the park in 1959, 1966, 1972, or whatever year, you were part of this extended family. During the last hours that Santa’s House was open that day, mostly employees came in. It was all I could do to keep in character. When it came time to close up the House that day, I made sure I knew who the last visitors were and I had the last picture taken in the House.

Going to my dressing room when my day was finished, it was hard to not think of all the people that I had the good fortune of working with at the park. I thought of one of the owners who passed away a few years earlier and thought of Don the general manager of the park for so many years. Others crossed my mind such as Frank, John and Joslyn, Jill, Grant, Lori, Lauren, JoEllen, Luda, Pete, Cathy, and Toby. The maintenance guys over the years, Ralph, Red, Bob, Kenny, Nels, Gene, Ron and Russ. The food service people of Willie and Marion Hankey. All these people and more were part of my time at the park.

I thought about all the people who worked there before me like “Santa” Don Goers and general manager Ray VanRoyen and Jack Morningstar. I thought about the original Santa’s Village Corporation folks, Glenn Holland and J.P. Henck. All were part of this day.

When I finally got changed out of costume, I went and sat in the park with a lot of the management that was winding this day down. The director of operations, Crystal, had been a part of this park for 30 years, the maintenance department of Gary, Mark and Matt, the current owner and his son and daughter-in –law and the security guards, Dean and Al were all around the snowball ride. The park’s wonderful magic act duo of Tim and Robin were there. Sue L. was there smiling like she always did. Sue H. and Jeff D. were tucked away in guest services preparing for the closing of the day.

When it came time for the closing announcement, we all just kind of looked at each other. When it was announced, I remember everyone dispersing, as the park had to be locked down. I sat on a bench with Tom, the grounds manager, and watched as the people exited. Across from us sat the owner. I don’t think a word was said.

As the last people exited I thought how over the years Santa’s Village provided magic and entertainment for over 20 million guests. The owners, managers, contractors and thousands of local teenagers created that magic. All of them contributed to the 46 years of Santa’s Village.

When the park was secure, the managers met in the Polar Dome’s Alpine Room. Everybody knew in their hearts that it was over. With the clinking of glasses, Santa’s Village in Dundee passed into our collective memory.