Black Santa presides over Bayview Hunters Point family wonderland

Winter-Wonderland-Santa-BVHP-family-Ruth-Williams-Opera-House-121623-by-Kevin-Epps, Black Santa presides over Bayview Hunters Point family wonderland, Culture Currents Featured Local News & Views
Children look at Santa with a mixture of wonder and shyness, knowing they might not get the presents they dream of but knowing, too, that the best Christmas present is a loving family. – Photo: Kevin Epps

by Kevin Epps

In a heartwarming collaboration between the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre and the SF Bay View National Black Newspaper, the eagerly awaited Winter Wonderland and toy giveaway event returned for its ninth annual celebration. Drawing over 400 excited children and families, the festive gathering unfolded on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ruth Williams Opera House and Joe Lee Rec Center. 

Winter-Wonderland-big-Black-crowd-Ruth-Williams-Opera-House-121623-by-Kevin-Epps, Black Santa presides over Bayview Hunters Point family wonderland, Culture Currents Featured Local News & Views
Winter Wonderland drew a big Black crowd to the Ruth Williams Opera House, reminding the older folks that every crowd in BVHP used to be a Black crowd. – Photo: Kevin Epps

“We’re thrilled to host the ninth annual Winter Wonderland event here in Bayview Hunters Point. The turnout has surpassed our expectations. It’s fantastic to see the community come together,” expressed Interim Executive Director Theo Ellington. 

Winter-Wonderland-decorated-tree-outside-Ruth-Williams-Opera-House-121623-by-Kevin-Epps, Black Santa presides over Bayview Hunters Point family wonderland, Culture Currents Featured Local News & Views
The decorated tree outside the Ruth Williams Opera House tells every child in Bayview Hunters Point that Christmas is coming!

The lively affair catered to all ages, offering many activities, including ice sculpting, snowman building, video gaming stations, and arts and crafts stations, courtesy of the Museum of Craft and Design.

Winter-Wonderland-decorated-main-entrance-Ruth-Williams-Opera-House-121623-by-Kevin-Epps-1400x1050, Black Santa presides over Bayview Hunters Point family wonderland, Culture Currents Featured Local News & Views
The iconic main entrance to the historic Opera House made Winter Wonderland look like a grand Hollywood event. – Photo: Kevin Epps

The highlight of the evening was the presence of Black Santa Claus, spreading joy and posing for memorable photos. Local food trucks, including The Waffle Roost, Lil Alijo’s and Rome’s Kitchen, satisfied culinary cravings, while attendees explored and supported local vendors. 

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It takes strong adult leadership to create events that enrich children’s lives. Stepping up for Winter Wonderland are Ruth Williams Opera House Interim Executive Director Theo Ellington, District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton and famed filmmaker and SF Bay View Executive Editor Kevin Epps. They are standing in the plaza between the Opera House and the Joe Lee Gym next door with its iconic mural.

District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton remarked, “The holiday celebration and toy giveaway at the Opera House is amazing for the community. This event demonstrates how the Bayview Hunters Point community is a family and will continue to love on each other.” 

Kevin Epps is a Dad, award-winning filmmaker, community activist, author, executive editor of the SF Bay View “National Black Newspaper” and chairman of the board for the SF Bay View Foundation. Reach him at kevin@sfbayview.com or on ig: kevinepps1.