Calhoun County prepares for Santa's visit
A Lake City resident caught this photo of Santa on their security camera last year. Santa is expected to be flying with his team of reindeer again this year, as he requested that bales of hay be left at the Rockwell City Airport.
By Cassandra Kyser
A representative from the Rockwell City Airport, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, shared that they are expecting Santa Claus to arrive on the evening of Dec. 24. “Santa has a variable schedule that day, so he does not have a firm landing time. We have reserved the runway for him for the entire evening.”
The airport representative went on to say that Santa’s sleigh is classified as an “experimental aircraft,” for which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants him special permission to fly each year. They added, “Mr. Claus did have a somewhat unusual request we don’t get very often. He asked that nine bales of hay be left along the airport runway.”
Many local officials come together to make Santa’s visit go smoothly each year. Sheriff Pat Riley can confirm that the county is preparing for Santa's visit. "The Sheriff's Department is working with other area law enforcement to ensure that Mr. Claus has a safe arrival into Calhoun County. We wish him well as he completes his annual mission across Iowa."
One of Santa’s elves, Mistletoe, reached out to the "Calhoun County Phoenix" to assure children they do not need to have a chimney for Santa to visit. “Santa is both a skilled and experienced delivery man. In terms of accuracy and speed, he beats out UPS and FedEx. He can bring gifts to wherever children call home in Lake City, Rockwell City, and the surrounding areas.”
Mistletoe added that he will be one of Santa’s assistants on Christmas Eve. “The U.S. Census Bureau sent us a letter saying there are around 2,100 kids in Calhoun County. My boss needs all the help he can get,” the elf said, while taking a shot of espresso.
While no one knows Santa’s exact flight pattern, he has already flown through several states by the time he reaches Iowa. Mrs. Claus shared that her husband appreciates all the milk, cookies, and other snacks left out for him by children in the state.
