BONNYVILLE - Santa Claus embraced his wild side at the Bonnyville Royal Canadian Legion Biker Santa event on Dec. 15.
Attendees were encouraged to bring a donation or an unwrapped gift to be given to the Santa’s Elves program, and organizer Myrtle Beaulieu reports the event raised over $800.
Families were encouraged to come and get their photos taken with Santa Claus and a Harley V-Rod and minibike provided by Jim Wark.
When asked how the idea for a Biker Santa event was formed, Beaulieu says it started with her rider group three years ago.
“Friends from our rider group were sitting around and thinking we should do a biker toy run . . . I mentioned that in Red Deer, Harley Davidson does a photo with Santa and gifts and donations collected for charity. We decided to do the same thing,” says Beaulieu.
Beaulieu dapples in photography, so she has been taking photos at events.
“The first one, we partnered with the Bonnyville Legion. We decorated with a few lights . . . purchased cookies from the Cookie Walk at the United Church to make up treat bags for the kids, [and] photos with Biker Santa was born. Since then, we have added better lighting, more camera equipment, and Christmas backdrop,” says Beaulieu.
Beaulieu says the best part of the event is seeing all the families enjoy the unique photos.
“We also had our friend James Martin dress up as an Elf and he is amazing with the kids. Not only does he keep the kids entertained, he makes our photos so special,” says Beaulieu.
The event offered free hot chocolate and gave the community a unique way to enjoy the holidays.
“Our rider group has come out to support each year and we all enjoy contributing to make a child’s Christmas a bit brighter by donating $800.00 dollars to Santa’s Elves here in Bonnyville,” said Beaulieu.
