By Miles Layton

I’ve known Gary Lico for many years — compassionate guy, good listener — the type of person who should be Santa, yes, Santa. And because Santa sometimes makes an appearance in July in Northeast NC, I thought it might be time to check in with him to see which of Santa’s lists I may be on, since Christmas is only 170+ days away.

EDENTON — There’s a particular kind of magic in seeing Santa Claus arrive not on a sleigh through snow, but on a warm July afternoon with a glass of sweet tea in hand. For Gary Lico, better known throughout the region as the Innerbanks Santa, summer has become just as much a season of giving as December ever was.

This month, Lico will make two special appearances for local families — at the Perquimans Library on July 15, and at the Edenton Farmers Market on July 25. And after speaking with him ahead of his visits, one thing is clear: this Santa loves Edenton as much as Edenton loves him. There are probably other events where Santa will make an appearance, but these are the places I tend to visit.

Anyone who has spent a July afternoon in eastern North Carolina knows the heat doesn’t take a holiday just because Santa’s in town. Lico is the first to admit it.

“You bet it gets hot,” he laughed. “That’s why the elves made me a summer suit with short sleeves and pants. It sure helps.”

It wasn’t always that way. Lico recalled his very first year visiting Edenton, when he showed up in his traditional plush uniform — the same one he wears on Christmas Eve.

“I wore my only suit, a full uniform made of plush cloth,” he said. “I lost so much weight that I had to double up on cookies the rest of the week.”

These days, Lico manages the heat much like everyone else in town does. “About the same way everyone does… lighter clothing, lots of water and air conditioning,” he said. “I’m a big guy, so I have to keep cool and lubricated.”

While Santa’s summer schedule keeps him busy traveling to towns like Edenton, the North Pole doesn’t stop running without him — largely thanks to Mrs. Claus.

“Same as usual, actually,” Lico said when asked who holds things together while he’s away. “Mrs. Claus is the Operations Manager, so she does it every day anyway. That’s why she never accompanies me on trips. She’s a better boss than me. I always play too much with the toys!”

He won’t be making the trip entirely without company, though. Santa’s companion Buddy will be joining him for at least one summer stop.

“Buddy is an absolute joy,” Lico said. “It is as if he absorbed a ton of Christmas spirit and shares it with the world every day. He’ll be with me at the Steamers game!”

Ask Lico what he enjoys most about these summer visits, and the answer comes without hesitation.

“As always, it’s being with kids and their families,” he said. “Many come to the game just to see Santa, so I don’t want to let them down. I really enjoy having more time to spend with each child.”

That extra time is something Lico treasures, especially compared to the whirlwind pace of the holiday season. He’s also become something of a fixture at the ballpark, where he’s done more than just wave from behind home plate.

“I sure love throwing out the first pitch, or what I did last year — hit the ball!” he said. “What a blast!!”

Lico’s July 25 stop at the Edenton Farmers Market carries a bit of history. He visited the market once before, but the timing wasn’t ideal.

“I visited the market a couple of years ago, but it was the day of the parade, and to be honest, I was pretty bushed,” he admitted. “Not so this summer… I am fit and ready to go.”

There may be one small hiccup, however. “Though Santa got kicked by Rudolph again, so I’ll be in a shoulder sling,” he said with good humor. Sling or no sling, he promised the visit would be worth it. “Again, I’ll have all the time in the world to spend time with every child.”

For Lico, these summer visits aren’t just appearances — they’re something closer to a homecoming.

“I want to say again that Edenton is my favorite vacation spot,” he said. “The people are so nice and friendly, and the kids are so precious. I can’t wait for July!”

Families hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa out of season can find him at the Perquimans Library on July 15, and at the Edenton Farmers Market on July 25 — sling, short sleeves, and all.

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