Santa Claus arrives in Petaluma via tugboat

Hundreds of kids cheered the arrival of Santa Claus by tugboat in Petaluma on Saturday, a longtime tradition that many spectators said marked the beginning of their holiday festivities.

“This is our kickoff to the Christmas season,” said Bonny Russell-Larrain of Cotati, surrounded by family and friends near the Petaluma River harbor. “We always make sure we get here early to get our spot.”

Nearby, Russell-Larrain’s daughter clapped and screamed in anticipation of meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, as they made their way upriver and around the turning basin in downtown Petaluma before docking near the Golden Eagle Shopping Center.

“I’m excited to see Santa because I believe in him,” said 9-year-old Kathleen Larrain, also of Cotati. “And I can’t wait for Christmas!”

The event, sponsored by the Petaluma Visitors Center, has been running about 30 years and is a holiday custom for many families, organizers said. In addition to Santa, the afternoon featured holiday music, carolers, dancers and a balloon twister. By noon Saturday, kids of all ages and families crowded around the dock to meet Santa.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Lindy Johnson, 8, of Petaluma.

Heleena Amin, of Petaluma, said she hasn’t missed a year since her daughter was born.

“We’ve been coming for five years,” she said. “It has such a great community feel.”

Noe Norie, who also lives in Petaluma, brought his two daughters, ages 7 and 9.

“Petaluma is the place to be for the holidays - it’s the closest thing to the North Pole,” he said. “It’s just magical.”

You can reach Staff Writer Angela Hart at 526-8503 or angela.hart@pressdemocrat.com.