St. Charles boasts it’s own St. Nicks

Paradis, Bayou Gauche Santas relish their roles

It’s no wonder Santa Claus knows when you’ve been bad or good.

When it comes to the holiday season, jolly old St. Nick seems to be everywhere, the historical Christmas figure portrayed by a number of good natured people willing to get into character and help get everyone in the Christmas spirit — while providing great joy to the children of their communities.

A special few of them have the ability to disappear into that character just a little more naturally, because they’ve been playing the role for years.

One example is Richard Frickey, who has been portraying Santa Claus for almost 50 years. The Bayou Gauche man began playing the role when he was 15 years old.

Now at age 63, he’s got no plans to stop anytime soon.

“I do it because I enjoy seeing how the children react,” he said. “I like to talk to the kids … you find out all about the latest, greatest toys. I like to get into the Christmas spirit.”

Frickey started playing Santa for his family’s traditional Christmas parties.

Eventually, he took the act to other venues and began volunteering. Frickey has played Santa at schools, including Allemands and R.J. Vial elementary schools over the years. He’s also been Santa at the St. Charles Parish Toy and Gift Fund, retirement homes, the library and at the annual Bridge Park Christmas tree lighting, though he has stepped away from the latter in recent years.

He said his appearances at schools are usually his favorites in costume.

“You get to read their questions and see them light up when they come to see you,” Frickey said. “I usually try to speak a little on the importance of staying on top of your education and studying hard, because if you don’t have that, you’ll have a problem in life.”

Frickey used a fake beard for many years until recently: he retired from his position at Shell two years ago, allowing him a little more freedom to let his beard grow.

“It’s about halfway down my chest now,” Frickey said. He says he’ll keep on going in the years to come. “As long as I’m healthy enough, I figure I’ve done it for so long … why stop now?” he said.

Others are a little bit new to the game.

Take Paul Rousselle of Paradis, who has been portraying Mr. Claus for the past five years.

“One year they asked me to play Santa for (the Toy and Gift Fund), and I decided to stay with it,” Rousselle said. “The children see you, they smile and they’re excited about it. They’re happy as can be. Why not keep doing it?”

Rousselle has played the role at a number of different events for people young and old, including at Boy Scouts and Special Olympics events. Like Frickey, he most enjoys the reactions of young children when they see him arrive. “I’ve always loved when Christmas comes around,” he said. “It’s nice. I have three children and seeing them open their presents is a treat.”

His role even cured a phobia of sorts.

“My little boy, he was kind of scared of Santa,” Rousselle said with a chuckle. “After I came out in costume and talked to him for a little while … he realized it was me. But he likes Santa now.”

This year, Rousselle had his first opportunity to play Santa at the annual St. Charles Parish Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I rode in on the fire truck and all the children ran up to me. The whole event was a pretty nice experience.”

 

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