by Christopher Dearman
Let this be a lesson to anyone closing their park for good. A titillating exposé like this could be written about your facility!
Santa’s Village – Gone Wild! is a revealing, unauthorised and uncensored account of the fun, hilarious and outrageous stories that took place during the 40+ years Santa’s Village in Dundee, Illinois, was open.
According to Dearman, working for minimum wage while sweating in the hot sun would make just about anyone “go wild.” Summers spent working at Santa’s Village was a right of passage for thousands of high school kids growing up in the Chicago suburbs. The author shares some of the behind-the-scenes stories of his two seasons working there, and all the hi-jinx and debauchery that went with it.
With a historical outline spanning the almost five decades the park was open, readers will learn of details including the shocking secrets of the frozen North Pole, late night rendezvous on Racing Rapids (swimsuit optional) and the notorious after-hour and end of season parties. There’s also a candid interview with long time Santa Phillip Wenz. Available in both printed and e-book versions.
