When David Troutman walks into a charity event, a private party or some other Christmas event in Western New York, it isn’t just another one of Santa’s helpers entering the room.
Especially for the children who cast their eyes on him, he is Santa Claus.
Troutman, 64, of Kenmore, is one of 106 members of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. He’s also an alumnus and 14-time attendee of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Mich.
This man – a retired FedEx worker who also sold auto parts and drove a school bus – takes Santa’s work very seriously, while enjoying it immensely.
He is proud that in his 39 years performing as Santa, hardly anyone – including his own kids and grandkids – have ever recognized him as Dave Troutman.
“When I put on the suit, I try to believe I AM Santa, not unlike any actor,” Troutman said. “To walk into a room and see everybody smile is heartwarming. The kids still love Santa. For just a moment, all the adults in the room forget all their trouble, all their problems. Everybody’s happy.”
Fascinated by the Santa story since he was a kid, Troutman said he started performing as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve 1984, when a friend asked him to show up at a party.
After that party, Troutman stopped at his grandparents’ home for another gathering, where he had his best Santa experience ever.
“The very first person I saw was my father. I will never forget the joy I saw that night in his face, and on the faces of my aunts and uncles,” he remembered. “They were always really nice people, but this time, I saw their eyes sparkle. I saw their inner child that had been hidden for so many years come out. It was a wonderful feeling.”
He’s been Santa every Christmas season since.
Troutman estimates he has appeared approximately 500 times as Santa over the past 39 years. He has performed as Santa at malls and department stores, at events sponsored by businesses, schools,…
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