From Tall Elves to Caroling and Big Trees, Croaker Means Christmas

By Rosemary Van Houten Friday, December 10, 2010

When driving through downtown Croaker around 5 p.m. during the holiday season, as you pass the field across from Garrett’s Grocery you may catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye.

When giving pause and a closer look, you will realize it is a child walking across the field. What child is this, you may wonder, and where is he headed as darkness falls across the road? Well, the child, Lil John, is a disabled boy on a mission. Ever since the 40-foot Christmas tree was erected in front of Garrett’s Grocery, the tyke leaves the warmth of his home and trudges across the field to perform his daily job - turning on the lights of the holiday tree in front of the Croaker country store.

It’s actually become somewhat of a community tradition over the past days. As he approaches the tree he is welcomed by a drum roll on a trash can and a group of well wishers waiting for him, cheering him on as he turns the darkness into glittering lights. The tyke then beams with a smile and raises his arms in triumph, takes a big, low bow afterwards as he accepts high-fives from the crowd.

And while this might give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, it is only a sneak peek into celebrating the Christmas holiday in Croaker.

Croaker has always bred a very close-knit, caring community, and you are welcome there, even if you aren’t a Croakerite. If you’ve never wandered that way you’re missing out on one of James City County’s greatest treasures. Any stranger driving through may not notice at first, but with one blink of the eyes it becomes ever so clear and you quickly discover there’s nothing quite like it, and Christmas is Croaker brings out the child in everyone, young and old.

Years ago it use to be that “the Croaker gang” would spread some holiday cheer with Croaker Caroling. The event, organized by Flip Toepke (the world’s tallest elf) and Steve White (the guy with the white beard and twinkle in his eyes, behind the counter at Garrett’s) would include decorating hay wagons, even a train one year and visiting the elderly or those who could not get out. This went on for several years to where one year there was near 100 carolers participating. Flip (you know, the tallest elf) would take photos with his handy Polaroid, leaving the mementos behind. Even when Sycamore Landing got covered with ice one year, the Croaker Carolers still persevered; after all there must be good cheer and music during Christmas!

But as the years went on the group took on a new venture – bringing Santa to Croaker. And of course Santa coming to Croaker is in no way a far stretch, except in this case where he actually makes a special visit before Christmas.

This Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the Croaker Gang will prepare for Santa’s visit, but in keeping with the Croaker spirit, it’s not just about Croaker. While it’s true this is a community event, Flip and Steve have combined efforts to provide for young children who may go without this holiday season by asking people to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots program. http://www.toysfortots.org/

Every year the Croaker Toys for Tots program has had a different theme. One year it was fill the fire truck, another year fill the toy box, one year the SS Croaker was even on board (no pun intended.) In addition to the Croaker community, Santa and usually Mrs. Claus and of course the elves are available for photos as well as one of the U. S. Marines. A Marine has made it out to the downtown Croaker event almost every year. So if you come out be sure to bring your camera and have a pic taken with the man in red or how can you resist one of those men in blue! Elves will be on hand to take photos…especially Flip. (Have I mentioned he’s the world’s tallest elf?)

It is not mandatory to bring a toy to the event; it is free and open to the public. The group usually has a cozy bonfire roaring along with some hot cider and cookies, and from what the weatherman is predicting the wicked cold we’ve been experiencing should be gone by Saturday.

There is also rumor of a horseless carriage Saturday…not sure what that is all about, but you’ll have to come out and see with your own eyes. The bottom line is if you don’t believe in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, after attending Toys for Tots on Saturday, you will at the very least believe in Croaker. I know I do.