It truly was Christmas in July recently, when dozens of Santas converged on Branson for their annual School of Santas.
Approximately 125 students plus staff and vendors attended the annual event which combines learning, fellowship and fun with a little bit of holiday magic.
"Overwhelmingly the response was positive, because our school is often hailed as the kick start to the season," explained Jessca Rosa, known as Santa's official photographer, and of the School's instructors. "There is enough time to springboard the new ideas, prior to the beginning of the season."
Held at the AmericInn by Wyndham, the School of Santas began in 2018.
"This is our sixth year, with seven sessions, because in 2023 we held two sessions," noted Rosa.
Santas and their spouses enjoy classes on a variety of special topics. Rosa, with Holiday Photo Magic, demonstrated posing for portraits and offered suggestions on working with photographers.
"Larry Talbert, from Atlanta, Georgia, taught about performers' insurance and background checks," explained Rosa. "Jeff McMullen, our featured instructor, traveled from Wisconsin to share his knowledge for two days as a former Ringling Brothers/Barnum and Bailey clown and Santa Claus performer. He focused on his 'magic of performance,' which included suggestions on how to look natural while wearing makeup and finding the right style for our students. Shirley Wenner, who's from New Jersey, distributed over 200 books while teaching how to read 'with' children, versus to them."
It wasn't just work, as the Santas enjoyed some time in Branson, attending the show SIX and the new magic show by Dustin Tavella. The group of Santas traveled in style to the shows with decorated vehicles, some with lights flashing, as they made their way through Branson.
Said Rosa, "During the school, we had Terry Wayne Sanders drop by as Granny Claus, and tribute artists as Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler,' Rick McEwen, and Garth Brooks, Rich Watson, and with his wife Anne Marie."
Those in attendance also participated in Coffee with Claus, a motel room door decorating contest and lots of fun and festivities during the weekend event.
Plans for next year's School of Santas are already underway. The event is set for July 17-20, 2025.
For more information on School of Santas, visit their website, SchoolOfSantas.com or reach out to Taunya Lay at Branson Ticket and Travel for registration and hotel reservations, at 417-335-2707 or 800-432-4202, or via email at taunya@bransonticket.com.
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