​SantaCon returns: Downtown fun and philanthropy

The SantaCon Pub Crawl for the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-In Center returns to Downtown Fargo Saturday, December 10, beginning at 1pm with a kick-off at Rooter’s Bar.

But this is not your average pub crawl, as participants are (1) in costume; (2) in the holiday spirit; and (3) donating money and much-needed toiletry, clothing, and other items for a local homeless and veteran’s shelter.

Fargo SantaCon is in its seventh year and is one of the increasing number of SantaCon pub crawls, worldwide, that have a charity emphasis. Moreover, it is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit, while enjoying your favorite spirit.

SantaCon raises monetary donations and also collects items needed by Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-In Center guests, including ground coffee, razors, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, warm hats and gloves.

Participants dress in various costumes that range from a simple Santa hat, “ugly” holiday sweaters, various versions of Santa Claus, elves, snowmen, reindeer, and several nontraditional ideas – such as Krampus or Cindy Lou Hou and the Grinch.

I hear that there is going to be a holiday trucker looking for egg nog and shenanigans this year. So, yes, SantaCon is for adults only. However, all the Santas are advised to be nice to any children (and everyone) who may be out and about doing holiday shopping on Broadway. Some participants hand out candy canes and other gifts in the spirit of the holiday event.

The crawl begins at 1pm at Rooter’s Bar and proceeds to the HoDo, the Downtown Fargo VFW, the Empire, Dempsey’s, Sidestreet Grill and Tavern, and ends up at the Pickled Parrot at approximately 7pm, with a prize drawing at 7:45 pm.

A recommended donation of $5 for a prize drawing ticket is taken by volunteers from Gladys Ray and the SantaCon Committee. Ticket holders must be present to win. This year, donations include a large plasma television, FM Symphony tickets, and many certificates from local restaurants and pubs. In addition, the HoDo is featuring the Gladys Ray Shelter as its tip line donation during part of December, in conjunction with SantaCon. Volunteers are also on hand at each crawl stop to collect donated items for the shelter.

Marnie Lange, Fargo, has participated in SantaCon and plans to again this year. Marnie says that SantaCon is “a fun way to celebrate this time of the year with friends while at the same time raising money for a great cause. It is a low-stress holiday event with a focus on giving.”

Marnie elaborates: “The holiday season should be all about giving back. By having and participating in events like SantaCon you are supporting your community and those residents in it that are going through hard times. It is that giving that enables those individuals the ability to have a better holiday than they perhaps would have had.”

Finally, Marnie says that costumes are her favorite part of SantaCon: “People are so creative and you see a wide range. I appreciate all the Santas, elves, ugly sweaters and creative ways people bring their own flair. Some of the unique costumes I have seen have been Krampus and also Sons of Santa (a biker-themed group, with vests and holiday-themed patches).”

Leah Siewert, Moorhead, is a Program Director for the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veteran’s Drop In Center with an LSW in Social Work from MSUM. She emphasizes the importance of the event to the shelter guests: “The money we receive from SantaCon allows us to do the above as well as assist in paying for a membership at the YMCA or bus tickets for extreme/emergency situations.

“The funds are used to improve and assist individuals in moving forward on their journey out of homelessness. SantaCon reminds us how much the community cares. It allows us to help individuals obtain a birth certificate which then allows them to obtain their photo ID. They are then able to begin working, apply for housing, and obtain their social security card.”

Leah not only works at Gladys Ray, but she’s a big part of SantaCon’s success, along with Jan Eliassen, Director of the Gladys Ray Shelter. Leah enjoys going to the event “so I can spread the word on what the shelter does. Many are surprised on what we actually do at the shelter. So many think it is just a homeless shelter where people can go.

“I like that it is an opportunity for people to learn about the Veterans Drop-In Center, the connections we have in the community and opportunities, our Outreach Services that come to the shelter to connect with guests. Gladys Ray is so much more than just a homeless shelter.”

Leah sees SantaCon as a tremendous opportunity to raise money and donated items for the facility “to assist guests in their journey to housing. And this happens all while being a part of a fun event in the community. It is an amazing opportunity and we are so grateful the SantaCon organizers have chosen us as their charity for several years now.”

The SantaCon organizers encourage participants to eat at one of the participating or nearby establishments and also to secure a safe ride home via friends, Uber, or cab. As the national SantaCon site says: “SantaCon is fun because Santa is jolly. Santa being drunk/disorderly in public isn’t fun for anyone and will get you arrested. Don’t be that Santa.”