Rick and Charlene Bechard had so much fun playing Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of their south Chatham home last year they are doing it again to support the local Salvation Army.
The couple has been busy decorating the front lawn of their home at 83 Lincoln Rd. to host another event for families to come and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 4 pm to 8 pm
“We started it because of COVID,” Rick Bechard said. “The kids didn’t have Santa Claus to go see, so we thought it would be nice to have our front lawn decorated so they could drive by and see us.”
He said about 100 vehicles driven by last year, just through word-of-mouth about the event happening.
He added they collected a trunk full of groceries and about $250 in a Salvation Army Red Kettle that was on the front lawn. The kettle will be back for this event.
Bechard said this year they will also have a bench set up so kids can get their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. clause.
Family and friends are also getting on the fun.
Their grandson, Porter Hamilton, 19, will play the Grinch. Friend Denis Brown will be portraying Buddy the Elf and their two grandchildren, Autumn Dezan, 13, and Owen Dezan, 11, will be playing Elves.
The Bechards are hoping to collect money and food donations, but Charlene Bechard said those attending “are not obligated to, because this is free.”
She added any donations food or money will be greatly appreciated by the Salvation Army.
Charlene Bechard is just as enthusiastic as her husband about hosting this event.
“I just love kids,” she said. “When you see the kids’ expressions they have when they talk to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus it just brings Christmas alive.”
The couple hopes if this continues to be well-received they can do it on two weekends in the future.