LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — Santa has sent his scout elf out to adventure to London, Ky., this Christmas season.  Elf Lundy of London Downtown is part of a Christmas tradition sparked by the book “The Elf on the Shelf” by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, and has been sighted visiting various businesses within the downtown area.

“We thought London Downtown should have some fun with the Elf on the Shelf craze,” said Chris Robinson, executive director of London Downtown.  “The name began with Levi Jackson, but Lundy became his middle name.”

Once Upon a Time Boutique gifted the downtown organization with Elf Lundy. Lundy, like all of Santa’s other scout elves, cannot be touched or else he may lose his “magic.”  The original story of the elves said they report back to Santa about who’s been naughty or nice, but Robinson said Lundy is a man of his own, and he reports to no one.

“He’s just an elf on a mission to have fun in downtown London,” Robinson said.

The endearing elf with wandering eyes and rosy cheeks has made his way across London but has many places yet to visit.  His folded hands almost foretell of the haphazard adventures he’s already had.  In fact, he’s already cozied up in Mayor Troy Rudder’s executive chair at London City Hall, he’s acquired an official badge at the London Police Department,  perched himself atop a street lamp to watch the holiday traffic, and rested his stark red onesie upon one of Joseph’s Restaurants’ scrumptious chocolate cakes.

“I think it’s fun for kids. We’ve done an Elf on the Shelf at our house since 2007, and a couple of years ago we decided to purchase them for our store,” said Jaclyn Storm, manager of Once Upon a Time Boutique.  “I hope Lundy helps bring in the Christmas magic to downtown.”

According to the original tale, each night, Lundy uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole to visit with his friends, tell stories of the London folk he’s met, pet some reindeer and of course, sneak some of Mrs. Claus’ cookies.  When the Christmas season comes to a close, Santa will ring his bell and Lundy will fly back to the North Pole until next season.  

“The merchants don’t expect much return from Lundy’s visit, but we do expect to have some fun.  We hope that Lundy will return each year,” Robinson said.

Once Upon a Time Boutique currently has the Elf on the Shelf doll and merchandise and is located at 205 N. Hill St.  

For more about Elf Lundy and his London adventures, visit the London Downtown Facebook page at www.facebook.com/londondowntown.



mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com