Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > October > 17 > Entry
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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By santasnaker
November 21, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I hope some parents will check into this man’s real nature a little closer. He does this for money and his own big ego. As for that old article about him taking time off to “take care” of his wife…. they happen to hate each other in “real ” life and Mr Hammond mentioning the “Lord” in regards to Mr Ray’s passing must be one of the few times that Johnny wasn’t using the Lord’s name in vain. He is not a nice man. He has scared and scarred a lot of people who have had the misfortune to see his anger unleashed….even on his own wife.