SANTA ARRIVES IN STYLE WITH ELF AT THE ORANGE COUNTY MARKET PLACE - Holiday Season at the Market Place includes Food Drive for Local Pantry
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11/29/2008:
Holiday Season at the Market Place includes Food Drive for Local Pantry
Costa Mesa, CA --- Santa Claus is ditching his sleigh for a bright red 1930 Model A roadster when he arrives Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m. to kick off the holiday shopping season and begin his annual stint at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O. C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
The swap meet’s Santa aka Herb McMaken of Anaheim, an avid classic car buff who owns a yellow 1969 Chevy Corvette convertible, arrived in a red 1929 Ford Roadster pick up truck last year. This year’s red “sled” is owned by Hank Becker of Garden Grove.
“It’s very pristine. I am looking forward to arriving in style, “ McMaken said.
After showing off the fancy wheels by driving up and down the aisles of the swap meet, he will begin his traditional role posing for photos and listening to wishes, which will be part of the festivities every weekend through Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Market Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids will receive coupons for a free photo with Santa at the entrance.
During Santa’s first weekend, Nov. 29 and 30, he will be accompanied by one of his elves named “Twinkie” aka Mimi Becker of La Habra, who will be making her debut at the Market Place. Becker, who works full time at Target in Fullerton the rest of the year, takes advantage of her short stature by elfing during the holiday season. In addition to being Santa’s helper she has had elfing roles at celebrity Christmas parties including those held by Jim Carrey and Pamela Anderson. She has appeared in the movies El Matador (2003) and Tip Toes in 2002 and on television on CSI: Criminal Scene Investigation and Man vs. Beast in 2003.
Other seasonal entertainment will be offered during the holiday season at the swap meet, which also features nearly 1,000 vendors offering a variety of gift ideas.
The usual $2 admission fee ( 13 years and older) will be waived every weekend from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 with the donation of a canned food item or dried food product (crackers, cereal & macaroni and cheese) to the South County Outreach which helps children and families in need. Earlier this year the organization’s pantry was depleted and forced to close for several days.
“We feel this is what the spirit of giving during the holiday season is all about. We are happy to provide a forum in which we can help South County Outreach keep their cupboards full. “ said Jeffrey Teller, president of the O. C. Market Place.
The Orange County Market Place, in its 39th year, is open every Saturday and Sunday, except during the annual Orange County Fair in July and early August.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 and kids 12 and under are free. Free parking is also available. Preferred parking is $5. For more information on the Market Place and its events visit www.ocmarketplace.com or call 949-723-6616.
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