Santa gets Ogdensburg office

OGDENSBURG — Santa's little helpers are getting a little help themselves in turning a small park and city block into a "satellite office" for Mr. Claus.

About 20 volunteers from throughout the city are working to set up an office for Santa, a stable for his reindeer and a workshop and home for the elves at Main and Ogden streets. Seven neighboring homes will be decorated as holiday favorites, such as Whoville and Candyland, as part of a holiday display that will run until Dec. 31.

"This is where Santa stays when he's here, because he's not supposed to live there full time," Gary J. Ladouceur said about the four roughly 8-by-16-foot structures that went up recently. "This is similar to the (Department of Motor Vehicles) satellite offices; it's for a little more efficiency."

Mr. Ladouceur is organizing and sponsoring the event through his business, Gary's Custom Cabinetry. He plans to hold an opening ceremony Friday for the display, including a live nativity scene and free cookies and cocoa.

Mr. Ladouceur started decorating his home last year as part of the citywide holiday decoration contest, but sparked the interest of his neighbors when he petitioned to make a small display in Flat Iron Park, which is adjacent to his home.

"This year, I decided to go as far as I could take it, and it's turning into a Broadway production," he said.

About six neighbors and volunteers were outlining and filling in the cartoon elves and snowy backgrounds on the three-sided buildings Monday.

"I think it's nice for the community. It's been a while since anything has been done on this side of town," volunteer Angela G. Caufield said. "I met a lot of neighbors I didn't know I had around here."

The work is all volunteer and Lowe's has provided all the lumber at a discount, Mr. Ladouceur said.

"They were able to give me everything at their cost, which is still a significant savings in the long run," Mr. Ladouceur said. "As long as no one else jumps on board in the next couple of days, we should complete what we've got on our plate. But I can't promise another house isn't going to just come out of the blue."