Thomas Bilbo has played Santa Claus more holiday seasons than he can count. Actually, he can count. At least once a year for the last 23 years, including 14 charity gigs in 2017, he said.
That’s what happens when you have a real-life, honest-to-good, St. Nick-style mostly-white beard and a jolly physique to match.
Oh, Bilbo’s not complaining. Far from it. He even joyfully slips into the traditional red and white suit made by his mother.
This year, however, Bilbo wanted something different to complement his attire … at least for the annual Mad Hatter Parade on Georgia Street Dec. 1.
He went to the weird welder himself, Shannon O’Hare of Obtainium Works. And the mysterious mind that created last year’s fire-breathing robotic Jurassic dragon didn’t disappoint.
With only the limits of a vivid imagination — and deadline — O’Hare came up with The Rudolph 5000 Sleigh.
That would be “5,000 times the reindeer power of one reindeer,” O’Hare said. “That’s pretty powerful reindeer.”
Roughly four days into the extensive project, O’Hare’s blueprints include a control panel for Santa to maneuver special effects, plus numerous LED lights, artificial snow shooting from a back rocket, flapping wings, and lighted antlers recycled from gold-colored chandeliers. And, naturally, a big, red beacon for Rudolph’s famous nose.
Even if O’Hare didn’t sign the vehicle, his name is all over it, much to Bilbo’s delight.
“A genius savant,” is how Bilbo described the wizard of Obtainium Works.
“This is the greatest contraption,” Bilbo smiled Thursday. “It’s the most awesome Christmas chariot around.”
The project isn’t without challenges, Shannon O’Hare said.
“Getting it done on time,” he said. “And the biggest challenge … raising enough money so I can concentrate on this and not go fix fences.”
Ah yes, reality. Bilbo has spend $1,000 out of pocket and hopes the public reaches into its collective wallet to donate to the cause at vallejosteampunksanta.org.
“This isn’t just for the Mad Hatter. It’s an art car for different community events,” Bilbo said. “It’s really meant for community-sponsored endeavors.”
Depending on the donation size, there are perks, Bilbo said, with the major fund-raiser getting a back seat behind the “elves” driving the sleigh in the Mad Hatter Parade. Others get to have their photo taken with the sleigh. Others still get “Bad Santa” Christmas cards.
“We need help to make this a reality,” Bilbo said, adding that some of the donated money will fund costumes for his elves “and help reimburse Shannon and Kathy.”
The sleigh is one of around 15 Obtainium Works-created motorized vehicles for the Mad Hatter, including “skirts” in an Alice in Wonderland Theme.
The sleigh, undoubtedly, is going to catch everyone’s eyes, Kathy O’Hare said.
“I think the design is over the top,” she said. “People are going to be blown away by how amazing it is.”
The final product is expected to look like the original concept, Shannon O’Hare said, eagerly awaiting the audience’s reaction as the sleigh maneuvers down Georgia Street at the end of the 4:30 pm. parade.
“What will people say? ‘What was that thing?'” said O’Hare.
Again produced by Frank Malifrando, the annual holiday event runs 1 to 8 p.m. and includes numerous children’s activities, with the Wonderland Festival and Jurassic Park at 2 p.m. at Unity Plaza, tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and a lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm.
For more information, visit HatterVallejo.com, or the event’s Facebook book at facebook.com/MadHatterHolidayVallejo.
