Islander named Santa Claus

Grand Island Dispach, September 29, 2006

Norm Cerrillo, pictured above (ironically, not in costume), was named Santa Claus for this November’s Electric Lights Parade In Niagara Falls. Cerrillo was chosen from four finalists, who competed for the parade assignment on Wednesday, at the Niagara Falls Kmart. Though he’s never competed before, Cerrillo says he has lots of experience for the job, having been Santa at such venues as the Boulevard Mall and Kelly’s Country Store. In fact, he’s been wearing his big red suit for some 16 years. Cerrillo says children refer to him as Santa Claus all year long, no matter when and where they see him. – Magic Marketing (photo by Larry Austin)