Altamont Fair Vows a Better Santa After Weekend Backlash

The Altamont Fair rolled out its first-ever "Very FAIRy Christmas Village" over the weekend, complete with wagon rides, vendors, twinkling lights, family fun, and a character dressed up as Santa Claus, who was the unexpected talk of the weekend.

Was he magical and festive?  Well, I guess that depends on who you ask.

Several guests reported that his appearance was subpar, prompting event organizers to apologize after the season's opening weekend.

What's Up with Santa?

Guests on the Atlamont Fair Facebook page claimed Santa didn't have a beard and was slender, a far cry from the way Kris Kringle has been depicted over the years. Apparently, he was just… a guy. In a red suit. With a goatee.

Read More: Key Deadlines For Holiday Shipping You Need To Know 

While the Altamont Fair didn't get into specifics about "Saint Nope", they did issue a polite and professional apology, acknowledging that the experience “didn’t meet expectations” and promising a fix for the upcoming weekends.

The Facebook Comments Were the Show

On the Altamont Fair Facebook page, one of the guests wrote:
“I’m hearing ‘Santa’ didn’t even have a beard… Upset a lot of people… maybe they’ll change for the next weekends.”

Sarah Anne wrote: "I found the beardless Santa hilarious and it didn’t phase my kids one bit but I could see how some families were upset because they had their kids all dressed up for the pictures."

Jim Lance III wrote: “It would be like taking a picture with a regular guy. I was really disappointed… dumbfounded.”
Imagine standing in line for an hour to meet Santa, and it’s your neighbor Jim in khakis.

But not all the reviews were Grinchy.

Michelle Fusco wrote: “I’m grateful for all that you and your team have brought… Keep being awesome!”

Good News for Next Weekend

The Fair responded several times, assuring guests that Santa will be fully ready, beard included, for the upcoming dates. They’re already taking everyone’s feedback and making changes.
There’s still time to experience A Very FAIRy Christmas! Enjoy the fun on December 12th and 13th, and 19th and 20th, with free admission from 6 - 8:30 PM, and hopefully, a more traditional version of the Big Guy!