Good Friday, Port Arthur’s Central Mall welcomed special guest Santa Claus with shuttle service facilitated by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office personnel serving as Rudolph and pals – and a tank serving as Santa’s sleigh.
When Santa, aka Mike Sheffield, first learned that the sheriff was going to be delivering him to the Mid County Pole, the veteran bearded celebrity was all in to see where the day took him. Although the transportation was going to be a surprise, Santa merrily anticipated the chauffeured experience.
“I just said, ‘As long as I’m not delivered in handcuffs, I’m fine,” Santa said.
Budget constraints have limited the hours of Santa’s site visits, as well as preclude the mall from hiring a professional photographer to take pictures. Intent on seeing the bright side, however, Santa hopes that the free photos shoppers can take with him on the days he is there will be beneficial to holiday revelry.
“Customers are encouraged to visit with Santa and take free pictures with their own cell phones or cameras,” he said. “I just think that’s a really interesting item and people will be excited when they hear about this.”
Central Mall is located at 3100 Highway 365 in Port Arthur.