Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > October > 17
Friday, October 17, 2008
Atlanta’s Santa?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Johnny Hammond took over for his friend and mentor James Ray Bryan as the new Phipps Santa. In this 2006 photo, he talks to Bailey and Zach Waldow from Conyers. “Are you the real Santa?” Zach asked Hammond who elusively answered, “You will have to make that decision on your own.”
Atlanta takes its Santas very seriously.
I didn’t know this till yesterday, when I got a note saying that in the first 45 minutes that reservations (yes! reservations!) were accepted, 1,400 families registered for their time with Santa at Phipps Plaza.
Let’s just be clear: it’s October. I’m writing stories about Halloween candy.
I hear that he’s the guy, The Santa. Not the only Santa. (Look to any mall. I’m quite certain that most kids have no clue whether the beard is real or fake.) But the most in-demand Santa? Apparently.
Huh. I thought maybe this guy was Atlanta’s Santa.
Oh, why not? Let’s get in the mood.
Do you have a favorite Atlanta Santa memory? Will you reserve a spot with this Santa.
And for heaven’s sake what else do I not know about holiday traditions here?
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