City Cites Hassles, Stops Santa Hat Hustle

So long, Santa. It’s been real — a real hassle, that is.

The Royal Oak City Commission on Monday shut down the seasonal Santa Hat Hustle Run because of problems with the promoter, Ultimate Fun Productions, during past events.

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Officials said that in previous years, promoter Matt Flynn failed to provide enough volunteers to secure running routes and set up barricades for the annual charity run, and also made unauthorized, last minute changes, The Daily Tribune reports.

Flynn already had begun publicizing the event, which he planned to stage on Dec. 13 as a fund-raiser for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland and Macomb counties. But he failed to get City Commission approval first, and that was a deal killer for already skeptical officials.

“Mr. Flynn appears to operate under the premise that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission,” Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue said.

The City Commission unanimously decided to deny approval for the event.

Flynn’s Ultimate Fun Productions also puts on events in Royal Oak, including Rib Fest, Beer Fest and others that raise money for charities and also provide revenue to sustain operations at the city-owned Royal Oak Farmers Market.

Mayor Jim Ellison said it’s important to separate the Santa Hat Hustle Run from others Flynn promotes. He said the promoter “runs some good events at the market,” but noted “there really is a disconnect” with the Santa Hat Hustle Run.

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