Reindeer’s appearance continues to honor legacy of Tom Williams

EAGLE RIVER — He didn’t dress as Santa for the Merry Merchant Munch, but the generosity of Tom Williams, former owner of the Williams Reindeer Farm in Butte, rivaled that of Kris Kringle.

For decades, Williams brought reindeer from the farm to the Friday night tree lighting ceremony in Town Park Square. He did so at no “official” charge, although the chamber annually gave a donation to the farm. But, according to his daughter, Denise Hardy, Williams would have brought the reindeer anyway.

“He loved seeing the people enjoy the reindeer and the whole spirit of the tree lighting,” Hardy said. “He loved to provide for the community of Eagle River as he was a major part of that community for many years.”

Williams – an attorney – maintained his office in the office building adjacent to Town Square Park and just a few snowball throws away from where three of the best behaved reindeer from the Williams farm will make an appearance and pose for photos with children of all ages.

Hardy was asked the names of the three coming to Friday’s event, but as of press time, she does not know.

It will depend on who is behaving the best that day. The reindeer have another event earlier in the day, she said. It will be hard to pre-determine which of the reindeer is in the best mood for the evening event.

One thing for certain: None of the reindeer coming will be named Rudolph.

That is because the males are just a bit too cranky this time of the year. Well, actually, in British terms, they are a bit “Randy” or in what biologists and the keepers of reindeer call “the rut.” It is when they are in the mood for plenty of love, er um, breeding. They aren’t super interested in being handled and or around people.

Hardy said the Williams family decided to continue the tree lighting appearance in honor of the tradition her father set. Tom died unexpectedly on April 17, 2017, from a sudden cardiac arrest, according to his obituary published in the Frontiersman newspaper.

“This was a very important event to him and thus we will continue this in his memory,” Hardy said.

Susie Gorksi, former executive director of the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, remembers Williams’ giving spirit when he first suggested bringing reindeer to festivities in Eagle River.

Up until about a decade ago, the Friday night event began at Chief Alex Park near Eagle River Elementary as children’s choirs welcomed the reindeer, their handlers and Santa in a sleigh pulled by the reindeer with handlers walking alongside for an event sponsored by the chamber of commerce. The procession then left Chief Alex Park, went down the Old Glenn until taking a left on to Business Blvd on its way to the Town Square Park sponsored by the Rotary and Parks and Recreation. Depending on the weather, people lined the streets to see the procession.

“Between the two events, Santa and his reindeer bravely mushed through downtown Eagle River under police escort,” Gorski recalls. “But, after a few near misses on icy roads and the stress of moving between two major tree lightings, the Chamber and the Rotary decided to collaborate and combine both events in to the one we have today.”

In those days, Gorski’s husband, Jim, often played Santa. Jim, also an attorney, knew Williams well. They often squared off in court on opposite sides of a legal dispute.

But when it came to making holiday memories in Eagle River, the two were “covert pals” Susie said.

“They would meet behind a store someplace in Eagle River. Tom had the tough job of getting eight reindeer from the farm in Butte,” Gorski recalled. “While this wonderful community tradition continues, it won’t be the same without those two legal rascals scheming to bring some holiday magic to our hometown.”

Don Poulton, Eagle River Area Rotary president, is set to play the role of Santa for 2017.

In years past, the reindeer and the sleigh remained on the snow-covered lawn near the Town Park Square’s paved area near the gazebo. This year, the reindeer will move to a fenced in, more secluded area after making the official appearance.

The stress of having excited children and adults yearning for a moment with the reindeer is a scene Hardy wants to avoid.

Folks attending the tree lighting ceremony will still be able to meet and greet the reindeer and have their photos taken. This will occur in a more controlled environment with a line for entrance in to the fenced area. One group at a time will be allowed in for a few minutes of petting the reindeer and taking photos.

Dogs will not be allowed in to the fenced area, Hardy said.

“This is for the safety of the reindeer and people,” Hardy said of the new procedure. “We want the reindeer to be less stressed.”

Author’s Note: Learn more about the reindeer of the Williams Reindeer Farm in Butte online at its namesake Facebook page or at its website: www.reindeerfarm.com.