Santa Claus Is Coming To Delhi - He's Also Headed to Bloomville & Bovina

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - It's the merry time of year when flurries of snow tickle our cheeks, carolers roam the streets, and if you're lucky Santa will pop into town. This year, Santa's Slay will ride down Delhi's Main Street on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the annual Holiday Parade hosted by the Delhi Chamber of Commerce.

Now most of us remember from our time as children the magic of Christmas is unique. Portraying Santa is not as simple as putting on the big red suit. A Santa should be jolly with a twinkle in his eye and of course, be able to pull off a long white beard.

William Cairns has proudly worn the suit for Delhi for the past seven years. Cairns is what my Mom would call "A good Santa." He just looks the part with a welcoming friendly face and as a bonus his beard is real!

Cairns took over the role from the late John Jones. In 2016, Jones became ill and was unable to participate in Delhi's event. Jones quickly recruited Cairns to help out. "I didn't have much of a beard yet that first year," Cairns remembered, "I quickly started growing it in November."

Jones sadly passed away that Christmas Eve, but before leaving this world, he shared some jolly wisdom with Cairns. "He passed the suit onto me," he recalled, “I went to visit him in the hospital, because I thought, geez I don't know anything about playing Santa." Jones gave some helpful pointers telling Cairns the job entails listening to the children.

Of course, Santa still needs help when he is out spreading cheer. He needs a Mrs. Claus and June Barriger is a seasoned partner. Barriger has been playing Mrs. Claus for many years, first taking the role with her cousin Jones. "Barriger makes me look like I know what I'm doing," said Cairns. She is wonderful with the children, he notes, she hears and understands what they say and offers a comforting nudge for nervous visitors.

The Santa role quickly grew for Cairns. The same year he was featured in Delhi, Cairns was asked to visit the Bovina Fire Department. This year Santa will be at the Bovina Fire Station, 36 Maple Ave on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. collecting letters and handing out candy canes.

Cairns will also be at Bloomville Park on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. for Christmas Magic Arrives in Bloomville Lighting Up The Park event hosted by Bloomville Community Pride.

Lastly, this Santa will appear at the Sundaes with Santa event at South Kortright Central School on Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

For Cairns the magic is in "the kids who really believe and are excited to get their opportunity to tell Santa what they want," he said, "it just makes it really special."