Santapolooza’s 10th Annual Extravaganza: Paddling for Joy and Giving on Greenwood Lake

Greenwood Lake, adorned in winter’s embrace, played host to the 10th annual Santapoloozza, a festive spectacle organized by Jersey Paddle Boards. As the sun rose over Greenwood Lake, its tranquil waters bore witness to a joyous celebration of community, compassion, and the unifying power of the holiday spirit.  Despite the chilly December air, the lake came alive with the joyful spirit of the season as 75 paddlers, adorned in Santa suits and Christmas characters, embarked on a spirited journey across the icy waters.

The driving force behind Santapalooza is the Lees family—Al, Micki, Amber, and Tyler—owners of Jersey Paddle Boards. For them, this event is not just a gathering; it’s a cherished family tradition that has grown over the years, uniting the community in the spirit of giving. It started in 2013 with just two participants, recalls Micki Lees, pointing to a 10 year old photo.

This year, a heartwarming event served a dual purpose, celebrating the holiday season and raising funds for the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry. Paddlers, hailing from various distances including Sparta, NJ, the Hoboken Boat House, Ithaca, NY, and beyond, converged at the picturesque Greenwood Lake for a day of merriment and goodwill.

Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the paddlers, safety boats and a floating tiki bar were generously provided by the Boat family, Elmo and Sandy Walsh, and Jack Sommers. The floating tiki bar, a whimsical addition to the event, allowed participants to toast to the holiday season and share the warmth of camaraderie.

Beyond the festive spectacle on the water, Santapoloozza had a philanthropic heart. A total of 17 bags of food were collected along with numerous other donations, all contributing to the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry. The community’s generosity echoed across the lake, creating ripples of goodwill that reached far beyond the water’s edge.

Santapoloozza’s 10th annual event left an indelible mark, not just on the frozen lake but in the hearts of all who participated, turning a simple paddle into a meaningful journey of togetherness and giving.