For the first time ever, Santa Claus has agreed to take time out of his busy December schedule to visit the Rowan County Airport.
Claus has made an agreement with airport director Thad Howell to “drop in” on Saturday, Dec. 22.
Since Claus has multiple other commitments on the same day, time is very important. Therefore Santa Claus will parachute on to the airport property, just after 9 a.m. Claus is an accomplished skydiver, spending quite a bit of time practicing during the summers near the North Pole.
Many years ago, Claus realized that it was becoming harder and harder to make it around the world on Christmas Eve. Santa and his elf engineers noted that by skydiving from his reindeer driven sleigh, the reindeer could land while Santa worked and then be ready for a quick take-off to resume his trip. Though Claus has been practicing all summer, he will use this event as a dress rehearsal for Christmas Eve. Should there be inclement weather, Howell has offered a plane for Santa’s arrival.
Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
It is free, but canned good donations will be accepted for Rowan Helping Ministries. Once Santa Claus lands, he has promised Howell to stay and visit with any children at the airport until noon. Parents should remember to bring their camera.
For more information, call the Rowan County Airport at 704-216-7749. The airport is at 3670 Airport Loop Road.