Randall Simpson Keeps Saskatoon’s Christmas Display Thriving

In Saskatoon, the cherished Christmas exhibit known as Once Upon a Christmas continues to enchant visitors thanks to the dedication of volunteer Randall Simpson. Located at the Western Development Museum (WDM), this nearly 80-year-old display features mechanical figurines and festive scenes that have become a holiday tradition for families over the years.

Simpson plays a pivotal role in maintaining the display, which he describes as frequently needing repairs. “I’m involved in maintaining the display and keeping it running because it does break down a lot,” he noted. Originally commissioned by the Eaton’s Department Store in Winnipeg, the exhibit was constructed in 1946 using surplus materials from World War II. Over time, pieces were distributed to various Eaton’s locations across Canada before being consolidated at the Saskatoon Eaton’s store in 1977. The WDM acquired the full collection in 1987, marking the beginning of a long-standing family holiday tradition.

The Magic Behind the Scenes

One unique aspect of this display is its reliance on simple mechanical technology. Simpson often crawls beneath the scenes to conduct repairs, emphasizing that “there’s no electronics in this whatsoever.” Remarkably, some of the belts powering the figures are still original, showcasing the durability of the craftsmanship. Despite his hands-on expertise, Simpson does not consider himself a mechanic. Instead, he attributes his skills to lessons learned from his father and his late mentor, Jim McRae.

“I was raised by a father who was born on a farm and has the economic gene in him,” Simpson explained. “Anything I can do myself, I do, because I got more time than money.” This hands-on approach fuels his passion for preserving the magic of Christmas in Saskatoon.

Iconic Characters and Their Stories

Among the charming figures in the display, one character stands out: Punkinhead. Described by Simpson as a fuzzy bear with unruly hair, Punkinhead was created by Canadian cartoonist Charles Thorson, who is also known for designing Bugs Bunny. Eaton’s sought to create a mascot that would rival the popularity of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which was introduced in 1947 through a song by Burl Ives. Interestingly, there are no references to Rudolph in the display, as he did not exist when the exhibit was originally built.

Simpson shares his fondness for Punkinhead, noting that the character gained significant fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The uniqueness of Punkinhead, much like the other figures in the exhibit, contributes to the enduring appeal of the display, drawing in visitors year after year.

As the holiday season approaches, Randall Simpson’s dedication ensures that the magic of the Once Upon a Christmas display remains alive, creating cherished memories for families in Saskatoon and beyond. His commitment to preserving this slice of history reflects a deep appreciation for tradition and the joy it brings to the community.