Hundreds of Santas expected to visit Albion and WNY in August 2027
Photos by Tom Rivers: These Santas and some elves are shown in April 2015 in Albion as part of a group photo with about 200 Santas who were in town for a Santa convention. A group of Santas will be back in Albion in August 2027 celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.
Group will be in town to celebrate 90th anniversary of Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
The logo for the upcoming Santa gathering from Aug. 6-8 in Albion and Lockport. The event will be based in Lockport at the palace theater with the group visiting Albion, where Charles Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 to 1966.
ALBION – The Santas will be coming back to Albion in Auust 2027 for a 90th anniversary celebration of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.
There were about 200 Santas in Albion for convention in 2015 and a smaller group in 2010.
The gathering next summer could have 400 Santas and other Christmas entertainers, said Phillip L. Wenz, a recently retired professional Santa who organized the 2010 and 2015 events in Albion. Wenz worked at Santa’s Village in east Dundee, Ill, near Chicago and serves as a Santa historian.
“We are planning upwards of 400 Christmas performers for all over North America,” Wenz stated. “We would like to have as many local people participate in the events as well.”
Charles Howard started the first school for Santas in Albion in 1937 and kept it going for nearly 30 years. He passed away on May 1, 1966. The school continues in his name, now run by Tom and Holly Valent in Midland, Mich.
The Santa School celebration will host activities in Albion and at the 1,100-seat Palace Theatre in Lockport.
Christopher Parada is executive director of The Palace Theatre. He also built a Christmas cottage in Lockport and he has portrayed Santa there since 2010, welcoming about 10,000 children every Christmas season. Parada, a Medina native, also owns the New York Santa Claus Suits & Equipment Co., replicating Howard’s style for suits.
Parada is pleased to be hosting the event next year that is expected to bring many Santas to the community. Lockport has the hotels and accommodations for the visitors, as well as the spacious theater to host presentations.
“Bringing this historic event to the Albion and Lockport, New York areas is a truly meaningful opportunity to celebrate and honor 90 years of the Santa Claus School and the enduring legacy of Charles W. Howard,” Parada said.
The Santas will see a bronze statue in honor of Charles Howard that was unveiled on June 10, 2023 during the Strawberry Festival and also a 24-foot-long mural depicting Santa flying in his sleigh over Courthouse Square and downtown Albion. That mural was created by Albion native Stacey Kirby Steward was unveiled in June 2018. The Albion Betterment Committee also is working to open a Santa School Museum on Main Street in Albion.
Many of principles taught by Howard continue to shape the look and actions of Santas. Howard remains a revered figure among the Santas, 60 years after his death.
“As the founder of the original Santa Claus School, Howard established a standard of authenticity, professionalism, and heartfelt spirit that continues to define the portrayal of Santa Claus today,” Parada said. “As a lifelong resident, I take great pride in seeing our local communities serve as the backdrop for such an important milestone—one that highlights both our regional heritage and a nationally recognized tradition rooted right here in Western New York.”
Parada has led the theater in Lockport through multi-million-dollar upgrades. That theater opened in 1925.
“The Historic Palace Theatre provides an ideal home base for this celebration, offering a unique and immersive setting for presentations, programming and shared experiences,” Parada said. “Its theatrical atmosphere will help foster a sense of community, connection, and camaraderie among attendees.”
The August 2027 event is still in the planning stages. Wenz said discussions have been made with the Howard family, friends and other special guests to take part in the programs and activities. As in the past events, there will be no event fees. For more information e-mail Wenz at santaclausproductions@msn.com.
