A small minority of people bitch about paying money for Santacon. The past several years, Santacon was much more expensive because Santa took sleighs. One of the great things about sleighs is that Santa can visit a lot of more consumer culture jamming places - like Santa's favorite stop: The Grove. (The Grove just loves Santa!)
If you attended Santacon last year, you know what a clusterfuck H&H is/was - this is why we did not return this year. There are surprisingly few consumer-culture jamming opportunities near a metro station. If you find one, let Santa know. It's also somewhat difficult to find bars that satisfy Santas needs, without pissing off/misleading the owner. Santa likes to be welcomed back next year. And remember, it never happens as planned. Who is in charge of 400 Santas? Santa!
The Secret Santa Cabal decided very early on, this would be a Metro year, which strikes out Santa Monica, most of the Westside, Beverly Hills and Glendale due to their lack of proximity near a metro stop. A metro year is cheaper, but that draws significant numbers. Santa was in the 300-400+ range this year. Santa loves numbers, but large numbers add logistical nightmares. (Who wants to make 500 jello shots?)
In past years, funds have gone to transportation, snow, bail money, jello shots, bar confirmations, drinks and tips to bouncers, bartenders and strippers, among other things. This year, funds went to pizzas, ponies, jello shots, tips for Karaoke, Mariachi's, beers, medals and trophies.
Santacon is not the mastermind/organization of one individual. Many thanks to all the Santas that helped make it happen big and small efforts all count. Santa likes to stay secret, but if you want to help make this event happen in the future, you know who to contact.
