December 2023
Christmas Magic
In the heart of the City of Winston-Salem, a dedicated city worker and his wife have
donned the iconic red suits to become Santa and Mrs. Claus, bringing the holiday spirit to
life in a most extraordinary way. Their mission: is to spread joy and laughter to children
and others in need during the festive season.
Yes, Santa Claus is real and alive and well in former Recreation & Parks, Certified
Playground Inspector, and current Utilities Plant Operator, Grant Marrs. Grant and his
wife, Caroline, a nurse manager, have been portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus for many
years now, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, and others as they transform their
ordinary lives into a winter wonderland of compassion as they embark on a mission to
bring smiles to those less fortunate and in need of the holiday spirit.
Grant, who normally spends his days helping take care of the City’s water supply,
expressed, “Being Santa for these children and others is one of the most fulfilling roles
I’ve ever taken on. Seeing their faces light up, even if just for a moment, is the true
meaning of Christmas.” Mrs. Claus, his wife and partner in this heartwarming venture,
added, “We wanted to bring the holiday spirit to those who may be overlooked during
this time. Everyone deserves a bit of joy and magic.”
The couple’s act of kindness has encouraged others to find creative ways to give back
during the holiday season.
In a world often consumed by the hustle and bustle, this Winston-Salem City worker and
his wife remind us all that the true magic of the holidays lies in selfless acts of kindness,
spreading joy to those who need it most. As Santa and Mrs. Claus continue their mission,
the City is left with a renewed sense of community and the warm glow of holiday cheer.
Winter Fun with Recreation & Parks
Registration for Adult Volleyball and Adult Dodgeball begins in December with play
beginning in January. Make sure to register before the end of the year to be eligible for
the season. For more information, email Katie Thomas at [email protected]rg.
Winter Camp returns this month! Hanes Hosiery, Miller Park, Polo Park, and Sedge Garden
Recreation Centers will have Winter Camp on December 18-22, 28-29, and on January 2.
This camp runs from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Registration is open now and can be completed
at our online store, which is accessible at our website, WePLAY.ws. For more information,
email WePLAYevents@cityofws.org.
City of Winston-Salem
Mayor: Allen Joines City Council: Denise D. Adams, Mayor Pro Tempore, North Ward; Barbara Hanes Burke, Northeast Ward; Robert C. Clark,
West Ward; John C. Larson, South Ward; Jeff MacIntosh, Northwest Ward; Kevin Mundy, Southwest Ward; Annette Scippio, East Ward; James
Taylor, Jr., Southeast Ward; City Manager: Pat Pate
Recreation & Parks Commission
William Carpenter, Chair; Mark Flowers, Vice Chair; George Peterson, Bob Hartwell, John France, Joseph Cassidy, Taylor Ansley, Michelle A.
Portman, Mashica Jefferson, Michael E. Green, Milita Godette
Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks WePLAY.ws WePLAYevents@cityofws.org or Call CityLink 311
Reindeer Ring Toss at
Winter Camp
Grant and Caroline Marrs as
Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Answer to November’s question:
There are 17 recreation centers and 16
are currently open.
December’s question:
How many people serve on the
Recreation & Parks Commission?
We Provide Leisure All Year
Christmas at Bethabara
Take a journey through Christmases past
at Historic Bethabara Park.
Saturday, December 2
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Historic Bethabara Park
Papier Mache Crafts
Make a Christmas tree for the
holidays!
Thursday, December 14
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Old Town Neighborhood Center
SANTA!
Visit with Santa
Saturday, December 2
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
South Fork Community Center
Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, December 16
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Miller Park Community Center
Cartoon Christmas
Get in the Christmas spirit by
watching nostalgic a cartoon
Christmas movie.
Thursday, December 21
2 p.m.
Old Town Neighborhood Center
Winter Camp
Winter Camp is offered while
school is closed for the winter
holiday break
December 18-22,28-29, Jan. 2
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hanes Hosiery, Miller Park, Polo
Park, & Sedge Garden
Recreation Centers
$50 per week.
CO-ED Adult Dodgeball
Dodge, dip, dive, duck, and dodge this
winter season.
Registration is open now through
December 15.
Season runs January – March.
Moravian Star Workshop
Learn how to make a Moravian Star
by the pro, Ken Manuel
Saturday, December 2
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Historic Bethabara Park
C0-ED Adult Volleyball
Dive into action at Adult Volleyball.
Registration opens in December.
Season runs January – March.
Phone Scams
Protect yourself from those who contact
you by phone with ill intentions.
Friday, December 8
11 a.m.
Brown & Douglas Active Adult Center
