The goal of the expansions is to allow for the Santa House to be utilized year-round and to see more residents setting the spot as their destination of choice.

Alan Gustafson, former Falconer Rotary Club president and public relations director, mentioned the need for certain repairs to be done to the house. Gustafson noted that one of the biggest concerns that he and Nina Gustafson, immediate club past president, is that the building is not currently handicapped accessible. The house currently requires guests to take a step up to get into the house, and a step down to get out. Gustafson said that one goal would be the addition of a ramp or platform that would allow easier access to the house for all.

As Nina Gustafson pointed out, the Rotary Club of Falconer is in the process of seeking out, and applying for, a host of grants and funding opportunities. Gustafson stated that the organization is working with county officials to apply for a 3% occupancy grant, looking into receiving matching funds from the county, and exploring a Rotary Club grant that would match that funding. Gustafson also brought up the N.Y. Forward and DRI applications being submitted by the village. Gustafson stated that the organization is looking into including this project on these grant applications.

Gustafson mentioned a range of other potential projects that the club is considering at the moment as a result of seeking these funds. The club is considering expanding the decorations in the Santa House to better transform the entire park into a winter wonderland, according to Gustafson. This would allow for people to utilize the space throughout the entire winter season. Another potential project that Gustafson mentioned would be updating the electricity within the house, as well as adding more benches and picnic tables for people to use outside of the winter season.

The Santa House, located in Coleson Park.

Gustafson noted the importance of the Santa House, in a historical sense, to the village. The house has been a part of village traditions for more than 60 years and was initially built by a host of local businessmen. Gustafson mentioned that the house frequently moved long ago, and even used to be put into storage outside of the winter season. The reason for the house’s permanent location now is because of the creation of Coleson Park. Coleson Park was created to honor Bud Coleson, who was a long-time Santa performer who gave his time at the village’s Santa House for decades of his life. Gustafson is hopeful that the expansion to the house, and the park itself, will attract more people to utilize its resources.

It only seems to make sense to invest more resources into the park and house, due to the increased volume of sponsors and participants, said Gustafson. When the organization took over operations in 2017, Gustafson noted that there were 12 units that were Falconer Santa Parade participants. In the 2024 parade there were 42 parade units, said Gustafson. Gustafson also noted the addition of a tree lighting ceremony, something that was not offered elsewhere in the village. This event has been met with overwhelmingly positive reception and furthered attention to the park. Gustafson hopes to continue making upgrades and renovation so that the park may continue to grow as an attraction for those in the area.

This year’s Falconer Santa Parade will occur on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m. The parade will begin on East Avenue at the Falconer Middle/High School and will travel down Main Street to South Phetteplace Street. Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to meet with children after the parade at the Santa House. There will be a petting zoo, along with drinks and snacks from 3 C’s Catering, available at the Santa House as well. For more information email falconerrotaryclub@outlook.com, or call 716-450-3032.