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Spark approves donating VIP visit with Santa to scouts raffle
Summary
Spark members voted to donate a VIP visit with Santa — including Mrs. Claus — as a raffle prize for a local Scouts group and discussed how to make the visit accessible to sensory‑sensitive families during the holidays.
Spark, the volunteer commission in Sykesville, voted to donate a VIP visit with Santa as a raffle prize for a Scouts group that held the same fundraiser last year.
The commission made the motion during its October meeting to provide the VIP experience, which the group described as a quiet, private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Members said the town will provide Santa, while Spark will supply Mrs. Claus. The commission discussed logistics previously used, including scheduling and how earlier access was handled for raffle winners in prior years.
Members also raised accessibility and inclusion questions. Spark discussed coordinating with the Sensory‑Friendly trunk‑or‑treat planned for Miller Cooper Park and exploring whether part of the VIP time could be allocated for families that need quieter, lower‑stimulus visits. The group noted Santa typically arrives by fire truck and that the VIP window has in prior years started around 2:30 p.m., with the main parade and activities beginning at 3 p.m.; members said timing may have to be adjusted to allow a dedicated quieter period.
The commission did not provide a written schedule or names of raffle winners at the meeting. Members said staff and volunteers will follow up with Santa, sensory‑friendly families and other partners to finalize times and notify volunteers.
