Mayor James Gatz and Judy Shepherd, dressed up as Mrs. Claus, embrace after Shepherd was named "The Heart of Shepherdstown" during the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown on Friday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Mrs. Claus read Clement-Clarke Moore’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” and Dr. Seuss’ story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” for the final time in front of McMurran Hall, during the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown on Friday night.

Claus — portayed by Judy Shepherd — then stepped aside to let fellow Shepherdstown resident Jim Auxer, as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Mayor James Gatz share holiday greetings with the crowd filling town square. It took only a few moments for tears to start filling her eyes, as both speakers expressed their gratitude for her service, as organizer of the Christmas in Shepherdstown series of events for the past 35 years. For many of those years, Shepherd has been joined by former Shepherdstown resident Mark “Jimmy” Crain as Santa Claus. This year will also be the last in which he will be seen at the kickoff events and parade for Christmas in Shepherdstown.

“Judy and her kids — Jacquelyn, Jenny and Chris — have been bestowing their help on us for the last 30 years. Judy’s now going to retire,” Auxer said. “Their hardwork and diligence have been a gift to us all.”

Gatz expressed similar sentiments over Crain stepping back from his position.

“After serving as our Santa Claus for a long time, he and his wife moved away to Maine, to be closer to the North Pole, but they still came back every year, to bring us some Christmas magic,” Gatz said of Crain, who made the move after his home in Shepherdstown burned down. “After 10 years of doing this, this will be the last that he is helping us with this.”

Mark "Jimmy" Crain, of Maine, makes his final arrival as Santa Claus, at the end of the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown on Friday night. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

He also echoed agreement with Auxer’s statement.

“We’re all feeling sad that this is Judy’s final year, “ Gatz said. “Christmas in Shepherdstown won’t ever be the same. The joy, happiness and laughter she brought to this season won’t be matched.”

In recognition of her decades of service, Gatz announced that Shepherd was being presented by himself and the Shepherdstown Town Council with the honorary title of “The Heart of Shepherdstown.”

“For more than 30 years, Judy Shepherd has devoted her time, energy and creative spirit to bring Shepherdstown a beloved celebration that brings joy to residents from all walks of life,” Gatz said. “With her vision and tireless leadership, Judy Shepherd has transformed the holiday season in our town into a magical time of community, tradition, lights, music, laughter and goodwill. Her steadfast commitment to our community has inspired generations of volunteers and artists and local businesses to take part in this cherished event, strengthening the bonds that make Shepherdstown a special, welcoming place.”

Shepherdstown resident Jim Auxer portrays the reformed character of Ebenezer Scrooge, prior to the tree being lit during the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown on Friday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Mrs. Claus reads "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," by Dr. Seuss, to the crowd at the kickoff to Christmas in Shepherdstown, in front of McMurran Hall on Friday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston