Christmas came early this year, but that didn’t throw Santa off who arrived on time May 24 with Mrs. Claus at Robertson Elementary School.

The school yard was decorated with garland, gifts and a Christmas tree and a lot of fun games for kids. Party hosts were members of the Warwick Rotary Club, some wearing festive Christmas headwear as they transformed the elementary school’s backyard into their 20th annual Christmas party.

Two years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the holiday season tradition. According to Rotary President Scott Seaback, the May celebration began last year. Instead of canceling it again, the club decided to do something for the kids in the spring.

“It’s received very well,” he said. Chair of club fundraising  and Christmas party organizer Lara D’Antuono added that she enjoys the evolution of the event.

The kids exhibited undeniable cheer and awe throughout the event. Positioned on the asphalt playground were three stations of summer-themed, children’s games. One station hosted a water balloon toss into hula hoops, and another provided Gaga Ball – a moderated version of dodgeball. The third station ran a rather amusing throwing game.

the game used a wooden canvas with a painted clown on it, its head replaced with an open circle. Rotarians took turns placing their own heads in the hole while one child at a time attempted to hit them with wet sponges. Rotarians took the challenge like champs.

Children were additionally encouraged to play on the school’s playground.

At 2:45 p.m. students were chauffeured outside, first to long tables categorized by school. Three or four students, selected by principals from each of  the city’s 13 elementary schools were invited to attend..

“This is so cool,” shouted one boy as he eyed all the stations. As they waited patiently at their tables, another girl expressed that she was “so excited.”

After nearly an hour of burning off energy Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived belling jingling.

Robertson Principal Brian Dillon did not hesitate to say his favorite part of the celebration is Santa Claus.

“I love seeing the kids’ faces when they see Santa,” he said.

Organized in a single-file line, Santa and Mrs. Claus presented each child with their gift – but not before confirming their spot on his nice list. For the Rotary Christmas Party, one gift is donated or bought per kid; Rotarians are given a $40 gift card to Walmart from the Rotary Club to assist in purchases.

Running back to their tables and tearing off the wrapping paper, kids were ecstatic with their gifts. Many who were gifted remote-controlled cars, trucks and drones immediately took them out of their boxes to start them up. Another boy, who was gifted Bunch O Balloons- the mass production of water balloons- immediately went to fill his toy with water, eager to find targets, only he had to save his gift until he got home.

Before Santa’s arrival, Domino’s pizza was delivered for a short break. Along with pizza, they enjoyed Hugs Juice Barrels and cotton candy made fresh from a machine by Rotarian Janis Constantine and Warwick School Committee member Leah Hazelwood. Thanks to the wind, Constantine really took one for the team, ending the afternoon with a hair-full of sugar.

The Warwick Police and Fire Departments celebrated alongside the Rotary and did not forget their furry, yet significant companions. The beloved police dog Charley shocked guests with his immense growth in only a short year. Fire trucks and police cars and motorcycles were also on display for the children.

A sunny, sixty-eight degree day made for a perfect execution of events. Dillon justified the May event with “why not?,” which was proved worthy through the relentless laughing and cheering of children.

Holding the party in May also proves to be beneficial for the children. According to D’Antuono, “sometimes summer months become trying for kids,” with parents unable to buy as much as they can during the holidays. She said that this event demonstrates to kids that caring adults exist in the world.

On their website, the Warwick Rotary Club declares themselves as “neighbors, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good.” The production of this Christmas party as well as its well-represented attendance align well with that mission.

Along with Hazelwood and Dillon, Director of Elementary Education Patricia Cousineau and other Warwick elementary principals attended the event. With support from school administration and community leaders, that unity could not be tighter.

“It’s always what the children are involved in, those pleasant times,” described Hazelwood. She noted that it is crucial to support children during times such as their extracurriculars.

The Warwick Rotary Club meets weekly from noon to 1:15 at Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille on Post Road. They welcome anyone interested to visit their meetings and find out what their service and community is all about.