Information below written by Karyn Zoldan (“Tucson Tails” & “To Market to Food Market”) here at Tucsoncitizen.com:

This is most definitely a Christmas pageant, not a “holiday” pageant.

Why?

Well, let’s see…there are Santa, three wise men, and representation of baby Jesus, and that famous reindeer Rudolph all on the rooftop. There’s live music – mostly Christmas carols – played by the live rocking band led by Roger the pastor of the nearby First Brethren Church. Someone will read the beloved, “Night before Christmas”.

• When: Friday, December 23
• Time: 30 minute outdoor shows are at 6:30 and 8 p.m.
• Where: 4352 E. Bryn Mawr Street (located one block south of 5th Street at Columbus). Follow the signs
• Etc: Dress warmly. Children have an opportunity to meet Santa.

In its 11th year, the pageant began as a way to continue the tradition started by Doc Salenz who lived nearby. The first Santa Claus was a pregnant Susan Modisett along with her husband Dave as a way get to know all their neighbors on the one block long Bryn Mawr St.

In 2009, Bryn Mawr was dropped and Poets Square was adopted to encompass the neighborhood association and more of its participants. The pageant is about building community and watching the children grow into their roles while taking more responsibility for the presentation.

Hot cider and hot chocolate is served, while supplies last. Please bring cans of food and non-perishables for the Community Food Bank.

For more info, call Cary at (520) 404-2253.

Santa on the rooftop, courtesy of David Modisett

For 12 years prior to 2001 Doc and Pat Salens had been hosting a rooftop Christmas pageant near N. Columbus and E. Fifth Street. David and Susan Modisett took over eight years ago (due to Doc Salens’ poor health and subsequent death) to continue the tradition of the pageant, and urged neighbors to put up lights in their neighborhood (Poets’ Square Neighborhood, which is bounded by North Columbus Boulevard, North Swan Road, East Fifth Street, and East Broadway.) It’s been a great community building activity for those neighbors, with children and elderly participating yearly.

This year the event has been renamed Poets’ Square Rooftop Christmas Pageant.

The free outdoor pageant (including children acting as angels and elves, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas”) is coming up at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday December 23, at 4352 E. Bryn Mawr St., which is one block south of E. Fifth Street and N. Columbus. You can follow the signs to get there.

Two 30-minute shows will be presented. Kids can also sit on Santa’s lap, so bring your camera for a special photo opportunity. Here’s a jolly photo of “Santa” Larry Pieper, his wife Charlene, and their pet beagle.

Santa and friends

And please also bring canned or packaged food for the Community Food Bank, which really needs help this holiday season.

This year Rincon High School co-host freshman Collin Mumme will be stepping in to assist his father Robert (recovering from back surgery) with the lights, and David Modisett (recovering from burns on his hands) with the pageant. Now that’s the true holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays courtesy of the Poets’ Square Neighborhood!