New ‘St. Nick’ opens up about his latest role

STEUBENVILLE - Yes, there is a Santa Claus this year of uncertain economic times and he arrived Saturday to spread smiles, giggles and hugs at the Fort Steuben Mall.

This Santa Claus is also known as Robert Westfall of Brilliant.

Westfall is familiar with the economic times in the Ohio Valley. He was laid off this year from his job at the Jefferson County Airpark and decided to turn his family hobby into a full-time paying position.

"I have played Santa Claus for years for my family but this is my first professional appearance," Westfall said.

Just prior to meeting his escort of dancers from the Casey Sisters Dance Studio of Weirton the red and white clad man of the hour sat down for a short interview.

Assistant Amy Tucker carefully combed out the trademark white beard and checked the red coat while Westfall became Santa Claus on Saturday afternoon in a secret hideaway room.

"My elves are all busy at the North Pole while I am talking to kids here at the mall. This isn't a hard job because when we get busier I just get more elves and put them to work," noted Claus.

"A lot of people wonder how I can be delivering presents on one single night. Well the secret is a very fast sleigh and good guidance from Rudolph," he added.

"What will Mrs. Claus and I do after Christmas? Take a nice long relaxing vacation someplace quiet," he answered.

"This job is so much fun for me because of the kids all around the world and here in the Ohio Valley. The kids make it all worth it. Seeing all the kids get what they want this Christmas season is very special," declared Claus.

"I will be busy meeting children of all ages for the next several weeks but on Christmas Eve I will be back at the North Pole helping the elves to load my sleigh. It will be a busy night but a good night," remarked the man who brought smiles to the faces of children and adults when he walked into the mall Saturday.

"Ho, ho, ho. How are you, little girl?" he called out to a youngster watching from the safety of her father's arm.

With a twinkle of his eye and a wave to the crowd Robert Westfall became Santa Claus Saturday at the Fort Steuben Mall as children and their parents lined up for their chance to ask for a special gift.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)