If the legend of Santa Claus were formed on the shores of Puget Sound rather than than northern Europe, he likely would wouldn’t have reindeer or a sleigh.

The Northwest-born Santa would be an old sea captain, and he’d fly around in an dory pulled by (what else?) eight tiny blue herons.

This is how Bainbridge historian Jerry Elfendahl envisioned Santa for his Eagle Harbor version of the classic “The Night Before Christmas” poem.

With the poem finished (and now illustrated in poster form available at Custom Printing and on place mats at the Harbour Public House), Elfendahl set to work with an old dory, a bunch of pink flamingos, some campaign signs, paint, lights, a white beard, and a p.a. system to really bring his “Captain Nick” to life.

Read more about the fun Elfendahl and his buddies have been having here.

And to see Captain Nick in all his glory, head down to Waterfront Park tonight (Monday). Elfendahl and his floating creation will be a part of a second Christmas boating parade from 5 to 7 p.m.

Photo: Joel Sackett