Santa Claus flies into town

RITZVILLE – Santa came to town for a drive-by visit with community members from as far away as Lind Saturday, Dec. 19.

The big man was flown in by helicopter courtesy of Life Flight, landing on the Ritzville Grade School grounds at 2 p.m. Flying Santa in on the 20-minute flight from Moses Lake was pilot Gary Schales, accompanied by paramedic Amanda Brown and nurse Brandon Bowolick.

“When the flight was coming in, the kids were so excited you could hear them shouting over the noise of the helicopter landing,” East Adams Rural Healthcare CEO Corey Fedie said.

Fedie, along with Lind Ritzville Cooperative School District Superintendent Don Vanderholm organized the event, with support from the Ritzville Volunteer Fire Department, Adams County Fire District No. 1, East Adams Rural Healthcare paramedics, and the Ritzville Police Department.

Vehicles entered a bus lane turned into a festive Candy Cane Lane decorated by school district staff Connie Miller and Dana Telecky with help from grounds maintenance men Jack Gardner and Brady Wahl. Kids in vehicles cruising Candy Cane Lane were treated to candy and goodies from ambulance staff before approaching a short stop in front of Santa for waves and smiles and the occasional wish from the less-shy little ones. The kids were then given more treats from volunteer firefighters, along with generous gift certificates donated by several local businesses, including Harvest Foods.

One little boy eyed slender Santa and told him, “You need to eat some cookies to put some fat on.”

“Thanks. Leave some out for me Thursday night,” Santa replied.