""Everybody thought it was the most horrible idea ever, because of the kids," Schmitt told SFGATE. "They thought the kids wouldn't understand many Santas. But I found out later, kids think in 'many.'""
""It looked like all the Santas were on a sleigh," said Schmitt. "I looked down beside me and saw these two little blonde girls, jaws on the floor, smiling more than you can ever imagine, so excited to see so many Santas.""
SantaCon originated in 1994 when Rob Schmitt proposed a costumed Santa gathering to the Cacophony Society, a group of counterculture pranksters. Members initially rejected the idea fearing many Santas would confuse or traumatize children, but Schmitt persisted and ordered Santa suits from the Oriental Trading Company. Shipping delays left the group with thin $18 suits delivered hours before the event. Schmitt mobilized roughly 32–38 participants, traveled by a gifted bus, and visited the Embarcadero, a hotel, and a kiddie carnival atop the Emporium, including a Ferris wheel moment that thrilled children. The debut route also hit several bars and raided events, and the event later devolved into a reviled drunken tradition in dozens of cities.
Read at SFGATE
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