How the (new) Grinch saved Christmas

When James Goss learned that Fairport Harbor Village lost its longtime beloved Grinch, he knew he had to step up.

Goss, a 37-year-old Cleveland man who works for Morse Van Lines in Painesville as a mover, was at work one day.

Pam Morse, the company owner and cofounder of the Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation, announced that Parkman Township resident James Sasak could no longer portray the lovable grouch at this year’s Harbor Holidays.

“I volunteered to do it,” said Goss. “I like the Grinch. I like kids, and I thought it would be something really nice to do.”

Mayor Tim Manross said he was grateful Goss was able to help out at the day-long event held

Most people were thrilled to see him even though “everybody kept telling me not to steal presents,” he said.

Dec. 2.

“The other Grinch decided to retire, and we miss him terribly,” Manross said before meeting Goss. “This is my favorite event. We always have a big crowd no matter what the weather.”

Museums, churches, schools, the Fairport Harbor Public Library and numerous businesses hosted arts and crafts for five hours as the new Grinch traveled the village “stealing” gifts to give to Toys for Tots.

The Fairport Dance Academy presented a Holiday Show at Fairport Harding High School, while adults enjoyed the pub crawl. There were also trolley rides and a kids Who costume contest.

But the highlight was when the Grinch greeted his fans atop the historic Lighthouse tower as Fairport Harbor High School Principal Tom Fazekas read the Dr. Seuss classic story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

After the story, children posed for photos with Santa and the Grinch at the park.

Goss said he prepared for his new role by watching the Grinch in the morning for some lastminute inspiration.

Most people were thrilled to see him even though “everybody kept telling me not to steal presents,” he said.

Painesville resident Yashira Lamoureaux took her mother and three children, 5-year-old Sahara, 9-yearold Jean Paul and 10-yearold Ayshanel, to see the Grinch. Her entire family screamed with joy when the Grinch singled them out to pose for a photo as they drove down the street.

“This is awesome!” Jean Paul said after meeting everyone’s favorite grump.

Harbor Holidays began in 1995. It is sponsored by the Fairport Harbor Tourism Council and organized by the Heritage Foundation.

“It’s just something to keep foot traffic in town and help our merchants,” said the mayor.

TRACEY READ-THE NEWS-HERALD Cleveland resident James Goss, 37, may live west of Whoville, but he was excited to take over as the Grinch Dec. 2 nonetheless during Fairport Harbor Holidays.