Health issues put Pingree holiday event on ice
Santa's Landing, a Pingree Grove holiday lights extravaganza that attracted hundreds of children and even more pounds of food for the hungry, is on hiatus this year, according to an announcement on the event's website.
“Due to recent medical issues, we will not be able to put on a light show this year,” a statement reads on www.twinkleclaus.com. “We will be back in 2011!!!”
The event was held at the home of Joe and Melissa Klemencic, two of the event's five organizers and involved an elaborate lights display synchronized to music, plus hot chocolate and gifts for the children and visits from the Pingree Grove Fire Department.
Kids also had an opportunity to hang out with the Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus Joe Klemencic dressed as the Grinch, while Gary and Diane Meyer portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus and arrived to the West Hampton neighborhood on a blaring fire engine.
Joe Klemencic runs the Twinkle Claus site and a message sent to the site's webmaster about the event's suspension was not returned. Reached at her home last week, Melissa Klemencic also refused to comment on the event's cancellation.
The Meyers, their daughter Sarah Hettinger and the Klemencics plan the event every year.
No one has stepped up thus far to keep the tradition going uninterrupted.
“I enjoy it, having the kids talk to you and stuff,” Gary Meyer said, adding that one year a girl brought a bracelet for him and that another child said he wanted a mattress for Christmas. “Sometimes it's sad. Sometimes it's heartbreaking.”
As part of the event, people were encouraged to bring toys and nonperishable food for local charities.
According to the website, people brought 351 pounds of food and seven bags of toys for the needy to the event that last year attracted 220 children.
Gary Meyer said the event, held the Saturday before Christmas, started in 2005 as a way to raise money so the fire protection district could promote its referendum in brochures. That year's event raised $2,000 he said.
Voters approved the tax increase the following spring and authorities used the money to replace obsolete equipment.
The Klemencics will be accepting nonperishable food donations and toys all day Dec. 18 and invite you to drop them off in collection boxes set up at 686 Glen Cove Lane. Residents are also encouraged to drop donations off at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 14N206 Reinking Road.