The search is on for someone to play St. Nick, also known as Santa Claus — you know, the guy with the white beard and red suit — and preferably someone fat and jolly.

The ideal person has to be ready to don the suit on Dec. 11, the night of the Wakefield Village winter holiday luminary stroll.

The annual event on Main Street runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and features trolley rides, sidewalks lined with miniature Alberta spruces, 2,000 candle luminaries, prancing elves, carolers and spectacular bonfires along the Saugatucket River. The stroll runs along Main Street (and Route 108) from Kingstown Road through roughly High Road.

All that is missing is the leading man, said organizer Judith Ross-McNab.

“I found out this morning,” Ross-McNab said. The regular Santa is a little under the weather, she said.

It’s an early appearance for Kris Kringle but it’s one that organizers with the Historic Wakefield Village Merchants’ Association, a membership of 75 businesses, have counted on for many years to help spur holiday shopping.

The best candidate works well with children and above all should be cheerful. Singing talent and a willingness to sing is a plus.

“We are looking for someone who will ride with the children and possibly sing with the children,” Ross-McNab said. “It should be someone with the ability to bring optimism despite hard times.”

The red suit is not provided for the gig and reindeer are not necessary.

“We’ll have other power,” she said.

Benefits include the traditional milk and cookies, and a little something extra. Mrs. Claus may tag along for the ride, or rides, as the case may be, but Santa would need to split his benefits with her.

Interested parties should give Ross-McNab a jingle at (401) 783-7202.

lsparks@projo.com