Santa Paddle at Wickford Harbor - December 2, 2023

Santa's elves are ready to launch

Its that time of the year when Santa visits cities and towns around the country to get kids excited for Christmas. Usually he arrives by fire truck, but in the coastal village of Wickford he arrives by fire boat, and RICKA members dress-up like elves to escort him down the harbor into town. This year, Michelle decided to come along as well to watch and take some pictures from shore.

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.

We arrived at the put-in at the end of Main Street next to Gardners Wharf Seafood at around 11:30 to decorate our boats and get our elf hats and candy canes from Pat. At around 12:10, Michelle walked down to the dock and the rest of us headed over to meet up with Santa for the paddle into town. I am always amazed at the crowd that gathers for this event. 

Santa Paddle at Wickford Harbor from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

And I got another poem from Tom - this time on Facebook.

What is appeal

neath cone of teal

with a Blitzen towards the bow?

Well is not it pleasant

that behind the present

canoe there's an elfish pal?

TW

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