'Iconic place' notes 60th birthday

WILMINGTON — Christmas is months away, but you can get into the holiday spirit this summer at Santa's Workshop, the yuletide-themed amusement park on Whiteface Mountain.

This year, Santa's Workshop is commemorating its 60th anniversary.

"It's a milestone, and we'd like to recognize it appropriately," said Doug S. Waterbury, owner of Empire Attractions, the parent company of Santa's Workshop.

The family destination, home to fairy-tale and storybook characters, elves, reindeer and Santa himself, claims to be America's first theme park.

Mr. Waterbury, an Oswego native, said that he purchased the property seven years ago and has worked on restoring the theme park since then.

"My first step into the entertainment world was my acquisition of the North Pole on April 1, 2002, and I have lovingly operated that facility with a significant restoration," he said.

Through Empire Attractions, Mr. Waterbury also owns and has restored sites such as the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, a historic boardwalk-style park on Oneida Lake, and the Sterling Renaissance Festival.

"These are very highly recognized and much-loved brand names and locations that just needed a little help to get back on their feet," said Mr. Waterbury. "We're having a lot of fun. We're kind of restoring and saving some of these iconic slices of Americana."

As far as restorations at Santa's Workshop go, everything from heating systems and kitchen equipment to rides and character costumes has been replaced or updated.

"Three quarters of that you can't see," Mr. Waterbury said about the infrastructure repairs. However, he did say that the "property has received a nice face-lift."

In Mr. Waterbury's opinion, Santa's Workshop has lasted as long as it has because of its main star, Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself.

"Santa Claus is probably the most popular man in most people's eyes. He's our biggest reason people know and love us," said Mr. Waterbury.

He added that parents and grandparents appreciate the chance to relive their past Christmas experiences vicariously through children's enjoyment of the old-fashioned rides and other attractions.

"It's an iconic place," he said. "The nice thing about it is it's kind of old-fashioned and it's preserving some nice family traditions. This is a very personal, interactive experience."

As for 60th anniversary celebrations, Mr. Waterbury was tight-lipped about his plans.

"We're kind of developing some creative ideas on how we might offer a few surprises for guests," he said.

For more information, including special-event details, seasonal hours, driving directions and information regarding lodging, weekend packages and discounts, visit the Santa's Workshop Web site at www.northpoleny.com or call the theme park at 1 (800) 806-0215.