WORTH THE WAIT: SCENES FROM SANTA’S VISIT TO COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT IN MARATHON

By
Alex Rickert
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Bertha Garcia, second from left, and Sialia Alonso take their turn with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Those arriving on time for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ visit to Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. on Dec. 1 found a line already winding through the entire parking lot. In one of the company’s busiest annual events ever, more than 500 children and families made their way up the brokerage’s front steps for a photo op with the First Family of the North Pole and free goodie bags.

Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

A spot close to the front of the line means Anthony Serret is all smiles.
Even in a winding line, decorations on all sides at Coldwell Banker Schmitt provided plenty of photo ops.
Zaylee, left, Sophi and Nevaeh have a blast under the snow machine in their holiday dresses.
Members of Santa’s Marathon Fire Rescue escort greet city officials. From left: Jackie Gonzalez, councilman Luis Gonzalez, Peter Meneses, City Manager George Garrett, Ray Rodriguez, Mayor Robyn Still, ‘First Dude’ of Marathon Chris Still.
Adelle Bainbridge, Wendy Davis and Dee Dee Schmitt are ready with goodie bags after youngsters greet Santa.
Being first in line this year meant arriving even earlier than usual for one of Marathon’s most well-attended holiday events.
Santa and Mrs. Claus made the trip from the North Pole to visit the children of Marathon.
Alex Rickert
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.

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