This past weekend was a very busy one throughout North Fort Myers, with many holding holiday celebrations with Christmas happening in a little more than a week.
One of those venues was the Shell Factory which, on Saturday and Sunday, brought Santa over for two days of breakfasts and hearing what children want him to leave under the tree.
It was the second annual Breakfast with Santa, which was part of the Winter Celebration that featured discounts at the Holiday House, two-for-one admission at the Nature Park, letter writing to Santa, and more.
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Jocelyn Kern, 12, of Fort Myers, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas during the Breakfast with Santa event during the Winter Celebration at the Shell Factory on Saturday. Kern asked that her sister get something special.
CHUCK BALLARO
Despite some morning downpours nearly all the available slots inside Capt. N Fishbones were filled on Saturday, with Sunday also being completely sold out.
General Manager Anne Sheridan was debating all week whether to hold the event in the restaurant or under the tent nearby where the future Tommy’s Tiki Bar will be.
“I kept seeing what the weather was going to look like. We went back and forth. This is better. We know everyone is dry,” Sheridan said. “The kids love this. They get to spend a lot of time with Santa and we have a gift for every child who comes here.”
While everyone was eating pancakes and sausage, Santa’s plate was also filled but getting cold, as he was too busy hearing what everyone wanted for Christmas.
After breakfast, Santa went to the Holiday House until noon to visit with all the good children, whether they were telling him what they hope for or were tearful from their first visit or so on Santa’s lap.
Krystle Lee brought her son, who was ready to turn 2, and the boy’s grandmother. She said she learned about the breakfast from social media and thought it would be the perfect opportunity for him to see Santa.
“He’s going to take a picture with Santa this year and hopefully he won’t cry this time,” Lee said.
Unfortunately, he did. However, he was quickly soothed by the candy cane Santa gave him.
There is still one more weekend in which you can see Santa and ask for your last-minute gift ideas or even ask that someone else gets a gift (which one girl did).
Santa will be at the Shell Factory on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Holiday
The Shell Factory is at 16554 N. Tamiami Trail.
