Each year, the Santa Fun Run has marked the countdown to Christmas vacation at Canton Central School. It is an opportunity to break from class, get outside, and ring in the holidays with classmates on a jaunt through the village in Christmas garb.
And each year, Art Quackenbush, former Middle School Principal, and Cindy, a former Ogdensburg teacher, dutifully served as Santa and Mrs. Claus. After their passing this year, the tradition lives on, forevermore in their memory. The family continues their legacy as their son, John Henry, dawned the Santa suit this year. Deb Lyndaker stepped in as Mrs. Claus, and Mary Parker rounded out the festive welcoming committee at the run’s end, playing the part of Santa’s elf.
The inaugural Memorial edition of the Fun Run has ballooned from its former middle school-only crowd to now include the entire student body. Elementary school children cheer on their middle and high school counterparts as they make their return to 99 State Street after completing the Farmer, Judson, Goodrich, State Street loop. Students were also met by the North Pole contingent mentioned above, as well as teachers, the Golden Bear, and the Grinch, and they were rewarded for their efforts with candy canes.
At 17 Judson St., home of Art and Cindy, students were rooted on by Greg Kiah and Mike Wentworth, standing on the porch of the well-decorated Quackenbush residence.
Kelley Glasgow and her family purchased a new banner to commemorate the occasion. North Country Savings Bank handed out sugar cookies from Cindy’s Cake Shop.
A long, but likely incomplete list of others who helped make the Fun Run a reality includes Joe McDonough, Katy Liscum, Sarah Towler, Bob Kotz, Julie Bailey, Bill Porter, Rob Brown, Carla Wentworth, Charlie Sarkioglu, Yvette Barney, Tim Archetko, Jill Polniak, Michele Meyers, Cathy Giglio, Jacqueline Bill, Sandy Drechsel, Amanda White, Kim French, Lauren Smith, and The Village of Canton.
One volunteer stands above the rest, though, in so aptly honoring her dear friends and their passion for holiday cheer.
The champion of the Art and Cindy Quackenbush Memorial Fun Run is Paula Jones.
Her effort in organizing and executing this event is a testament to her dedication to Canton Central School and a fitting homage to the Quackenbushes. She worked passionately to make the Fun Run a hallmark event for the school, and a lasting memory for each student.
“So many people knew Art and Cindy. They touched so many lives in the Canton Community through their kindness and spirit. They loved kids and Christmas. They enjoyed being Santa and Mrs. Claus and seeing the excitement in the kids,” Paula said. “The Art and Cindy Quackenbush Memorial Santa Fun Run was a wonderful event this year. It was a school-wide event. Students wore festive attire, and cheered, ran, or walked. Many smiles and laughs were shared and we felt the love and spirit of Art and Cindy with us.”
Spirit, indeed, was on full display on Friday during the Fun Run. So was the sense of community that continues as the standard at Canton Central and all across the town and village. It’s easy to come together during the holidays when most of your neighbors feel like family.
Cheers to Paula and all of the volunteers who stepped up to bring something special to the students at Canton Central this holiday season.
Cheers to Art and Cindy for all they’ve done for Canton and its children, and to the Quackenbush family who remain part of this tradition.
Cheers to all!