SNAPS WITH SANTA: NORTH POLE’S LEADING COUPLE VISIT COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT

a man sitting on a chair with two children and a santa clause
As kids waited their turn with popcorn, treats and “snow” in the parking lot, Santa and Mrs. Claus took time to greet and snap photos with nearly 500 little ones from Marathon – with a goodie bag from Coldwell Banker Schmitt awaiting them when they were done. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

The line to see Santa Claus at Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. starts earlier and earlier every year. By the time Kris Kringle and Mrs. Claus pulled up in style aboard a Marathon Fire Rescue engine, escorted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, hundreds of kids and their families were already eagerly awaiting their turn for a photo op – and to make sure the North Pole’s leading couple had their wish lists right.

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.