For the first time in decades, Chocolate Santa not taking photos for 2019 Christmas
Fred Parker, known to many across New Orleans as Chocolate Santa or the 7th Ward Santa, has been posing for photos for generations.
by Mary Staes
November 25, 2019
We hate to be Scrooge this Christmas, but we’re just the messenger here — the legendary Chocolate Santa is taking a break from pictures this year, according to the photo studio he closely works with.
Fred Parker, known to many across New Orleans as Chocolate Santa or the 7th Ward Santa, has been posing for photos for generations. Even before he was Santa, Parker was bringing kids Christmas cheer. In a 2009 article, he told NOLA.com when he was a bus driver he would treat his entire bus of kids to McDonald’s on the last day of school before Christmas break.
In a Nov. 23 post from Dennis Photofinish, the studio that works closely with Parker, it was announced that Parker wouldn’t be posing for Christmas portraits. The studio did, however, state there will still be photos with an African American Santa and the schedule for portraits would be up by Dec. 5.
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
Getting around the dreaded ‘box’ during Mardi Gras
It’s the black hole of Carnival season, literally.
Mardi Gras: Here’s your DIY guide to making a costume
Consider this your guide to sewing, gluing and glittering your way to Mardi Gras DIY costume glory.
Looking for a Dong Phuong king cake but can’t get to the East? Here’s a list of places that have them.
Live on the Westbank but still want to get a Dong Phuong king cake? No worries.
Handmade Halloween: Making your own costume is half of the fun
There are plenty of resources for your own DIY costume, and it won’t be the cheesy pom-pom gumball machine either.