Jeanne Nesky, owner of Everlasting Treasures, and member of the Lewiston Christmas Walk Committee, interviewed three Gaylord gentlemen for the Santa opening. "I appreciated all the interviewees taking the time to meet with the committee. I want to say a big 'thank-you' to each and every one of them."
Cutting, who is employed as a bus driver for the Gaylord Community Schools, has been acting as Santa for the past six years during Gaylord's Christmas Parade. His wife, Jennifer, operates her day care, Cuttings Critters, and has played Mrs. Claus for the last three years.
"This means a lot to us. We love kids. It's not about any money - it's just about having fun and making children happy. Plus, children will see the same Santa in both towns. They will believe more in Santa since they will see the same one. It makes it more real to them," she said.
The annual Lewiston Christmas Walk will be Saturday, Nov. 30. "The whole purpose of the Christmas Walk is to bring people into our community and into the area businesses. That way, they know what the merchants have to offer," Nesky commented. "It's also a way for people to see what a nice little town Lewiston really is," she added.
In order to let visitors know which stores participate in the walk, elf windsocks are present outside of the businesses. In addition, snowman windsocks let people know who the sponsors are.
Last year, nearly 300 people took part in the walk. "It was a lot of fun for everyone involved," Nesky mentioned with enthusiasm. "This is a not-for-profit event. Prizes are given to customers. People really have a good time. To be eligible for a prize, the customers do have to make a purchase. In fact, the chances of winning are greater, the more purchases made."
First prize is usually around $100; second prize, $50. Twenty-one, $20 gift certificates are awarded as well.