BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) - There can't be a Bakersfield Christmas parade without Santa Claus, so we are happy to report that the magical man in red is ready and willing to fulfill his obligations once again.
He and Mrs. Claus are always the stars of the local Christmas parade. They really want the public to come out on Dec. 6, even more than they usually want the public to come out. And for a good reason.
After last year's incident involving a drunk driver, security around and within the perimeter on the parade route has been considerably tightened. We saw some of that in action at last month's Veterans Day Parade.
The jolly old man in the red suit has more confidence in local parade planners and first responders and than even his own elves, and they've been working together in relative harmony for 1,700 years.
"We don't want the problems that happened at the parade last year to be a problem (this year), said Santa, who also answers to Richard Eskew. "Because, you know, Bakersfield people need to come to the parade and enjoy it - and we just need more Christmas spirit.
"We just want to give a shout out to the Bakersfield Police Department," he added, "Last year they handled that (situation) like pros."
He and Mrs. Claus - who also answers to Lori Eskew - have been keeping busy with fundraisers and tree lighting events, plus, next week, the Oildale Christmas parade.
1,700 years is a long time to be on the job, but Mr. and Mrs. Claus are still having a blast. There's been some turnover at the North Pole, however.
"Some of our elves have aged out on us," she said, noting that 200 is the usual age of retirement.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be fully and competently staffed for the big one Thursday, when, as usual, they'll be taking up the honorary rear in the Bakersfield parade.