Meet Larry Kave, A Laid-Back Santa Who Added Photography and Cycling to His Hobbies
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
It’s myself and my wife, Dianna. I have two daughters. The eldest, Shannon, lives in West Virginia. Our youngest, Kristen, lives in Colorado. I have a grandson in West Virginia too.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
We started out in Northern Virginia. Then my wife got transferred to Parkersburg, West Virginia for work, where we lived for twenty years. We’ve been here now seven years. We live in the Highlands in the Market Common.
Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?
We used to come here several times a year. My wife was up for retirement, and then I was too, so we decided to move down.
What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
The Pelican’s ball field. That is where I work as the team photographer.
What do you like the most about living here?
The weather, and the fact that there is no snow. We love the beach.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
I’m busier. I go through the season with the Pelicans, shooting for them, which lasts from April through September. Then I volunteer to be a Santa— I do events for the Market Common and Toys for Tots, all their breakfast, lunch and dinner events.
Thirty-one years ago, I was asked to be a Santa for my daughter’s pre-school, and I’ve done it ever since. I also do some photography work for the Market Common.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
Bike riding. I used to ride a bit in West Virginia but I was limited because of the weather. Now I ride twenty miles every day at dawn, and take photographs of the sunrise. I love taking pictures; I see a lot of things that I think are interesting and take photos of those things.
Do you find people friendlier or more at ease?
Yes, I do. Things get so hectic in the summers though. I’m just a laid-back kind of guy.
What are your favorite things to do here?
My favorite things are watching baseball and the work I do for the Pelicans. My next favorite is having dinner on the beach. My wife and I grab a couple of subs and stay until it gets dark. I also love my Santa Claus gig. I have so much fun doing that.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
We have everything; there is always something to do here. I’d like to see more patient drivers.
