One of the all-time favourite Christmas movies is 1947’s “Miracle on 34th Street”, starring Kris Kringle as Santa Claus.
Dave Fridgen’s story in Arnprior doesn’t go back that far, but his fifty-six years in the role in the Town Where the Rivers Meet puts him in esteemed company, providing fond memories for over three generations of townsfolk and their families.
As a child, Dave remembers meeting Santa in the 1950s at the Legion- or on the steps of Town Hall (he can’t recall), but the bug to portray the Jolly Old Elf also came early.
Bert Hall, who coincidentally has the same name as one of the two arenas at the Nick Smith Centre, was, at the time, the Town’s Recreation Director.
Fridgen cites Bill Meek as the “Santa” he ended up as the stand-in for.
Saying “No” was not an option.
As a teenager at the time, Dave didn’t have his characteristic white beard, so one was cobbled together.
Fridgen found the experience exhilarating, so he kept at it.
Fridgen didn’t keep the Santa Float assignment; it was Leonard Shean who succeeded Bill Meek in the role.
Len Shean died at age 67 on Christmas Eve of 2008, and thereafter Fridgen regained the role of Float Santa for the Town of Arnprior.
Another interruption to the Float role was the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Theresa Carron’s name was associated with the Santa Claus Parade as organizer from 2006-2022.
Glenn Arthur was the second Town Recreation Director to supervise Float Santa Dave Fridgen.
Bill Griese coordinated the 2024 Town of Arnprior Santa Clause Parade in Glenn Arthur’s absence.
Which brings us to the present day, and the first Santa Claus Parade organized by members of the Optimist Club.
Dave Fridgen continues his reflections as Santa tomorrow.
By Rick Stow
