KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As a means to help be more inclusive and illustrate the diversity of Kalamazoo, Santa’s Workshop will be featuring an African American Santa Claus this year.
Santa’s Workshop, hosted by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, opened on Saturday, Nov. 30th and will continue through December.
A white Santa will be at the event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
On every Sunday through December, an African American Santa will be at the event instead. Visitations will last from noon to 4 p.m.
Officials behind the event say that there was a high demand for an African American Santa visitation from the community. They also say it helps redefine who can portray Santa.
The workshop will feature many other activities and events besides visitations with Santa. A full list of activities and their times can be viewed online.
Meanwhile, the event is still searching for volunteers to fill positions such as Santa’s Helpers and Elves. Citizens interested in volunteering can find more information at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4baba822a1f94-santas2.
