GETTING SANTAFIED: Local Kringle impersonator gets into character ahead of international Santa workshop

Mark Reed breathes through a hose Friday as Jessica Gray bleaches his beard, eyebrows and hair at Shear Country Salon in Texarkana, Texas. Reed is getting ready for the Discover Santa 2016 convention in Branson, Mo.
Mark Reed breathes through a hose Friday as Jessica Gray bleaches his beard, eyebrows and hair at Shear Country Salon in Texarkana, Texas. Reed is getting ready for the Discover Santa 2016 convention in Branson, Mo.

Most people are celebrating Independence Day, but for one Texarkana man, it's Christmas in July. Mark Reed, a professional Santa Claus, is joining a thousand other Santas and Mrs. Clauses in Branson, Mo., Wednesday through Sunday for Discover Santa 2016. 

His preparations for the trip include beard bleaching and breaking out an old-timey red and white-striped swim suit-because even jolly ole Saint Nick needs to cool off.

The convention is a combination of business and pleasure for these experts in spreading Christmas cheer.

There will be games and competitions during the SNO-lympics including a tug-of-war, riding a giant trike and a race to see which Santa can stuff a toy bag the fastest.

On the serious side, participants will learn more about their craft through two days of workshops and training to help Santas perfect that twinkle in their eyes. Other activities include a fashion show called "Red is the New Black," a parade and vendors with wardrobes and accessories.

"This is my first time to go," Reed said. "I'm looking forward to the interaction and fellowship with the other Santas. There are training classes on different aspects of story-telling and dealing with commercials, televisions and movies, training on dealing with special-needs kids and nursing homes It's just to broaden our presentation as Santa."

Reed, who is a counselor at the Federal Correctional Institution, fell into his role as Santa when his oldest son was in preschool and he was asked to don the suit for the school's Christmas party.

"They had their own suit with the cotton ball beard. It was a lot of fun. I tried to change my voice for my son when he sat on my lap but when he got home that night, he said Santa sounded a lot like daddy. That was 20 years ago and it's just grown and grown since then," Reed said.

Reed, it seems, may have been destined for his holiday gig as Kriss Kringle.

When he was in the second grade, his teacher asked the class to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grew up. While other kids drew pictures of astronauts and football players, firemen and policemen, Reed drew Santa.

"My teacher was really amazed by that. She said she'd never seen that before. I wrote on the picture it's because Santa makes everybody happy," Reed said. "My mom still has the picture."

Reed brings Santa to life for a variety of local events and organizations including the Christmas Parade, Junior League of Texarkana, Opportunities, Inc., and Arkansas Children's Hospital and he thoroughly enjoys it.

"I get to work with some great people and wonderful organizations It's an amazing experience for me every year. Even though I'm there to spread Christmas joy and holiday spirit to everyone, I always feel like that's what they give to me. It's just a wonderful experience and a pleasure to be able to do it every year," Reed said.

Upcoming Events