Santa Paddle – Wickford – December 4, 2022

Santa's elves 

I was debating what to do this morning, and my options included a Hop Brook hike with Papa Joe, a Crystal run with Paul D. or the RICKA trip escorting Santa into Wickford Village. I opted for the RICKA trip in Wickford, and was happy when Paul L. decided to join as well.

Wickford is located on the West Passage of Narragansett Bay, and is built around a large, well-protected harbor. It was settled in the early 17th century when Roger William purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and established a trading post. Wickford grew to become a major port and shipbuilding center.

This elf is ready to go

Today, Wickford is a picturesque village whose waterfront streets are lined with shops, restaurants and colonial-era homes. Each year the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce organizes a Festival of Lights with holiday themed actives. Since 2010, RICKA has participated in this event by escorting Santa down the harbor for his big arrival at the Town Dock.

I arrived at the put-in at the end of Main Street next to Gardners Wharf Seafood around 10:30 to decorate my boat with reindeer, elf and candy cane cut-outs. We met Santa around 12:15 for the paddle down to the Town Dock. I am always amazed at the size of the crowd. After escorting Santa, we took a little time to paddle the backwaters of Wickford.

Santa Paddle from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

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