The Chronicles Of Grant County
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Though we cannot confirm with absolute certainty, it appears that Comet (pictured above grazing in a territory far north of Silver City) will be one of the nine reindeer that will likely be visiting Grant County this week. (The photograph was produced by Orna Wachman and provided through Pixabay, August 28, 2019.)
The Chronicles Of Grant County has learned exclusively that a special visitor with 9 employees will be arriving today in Grant County. They will be staying here until late December 23 or around Midnight on Christmas Eve.
Local officials will not confirm on the record, but it appears that Santa Claus will be using the Grant County Airport as the headquarters for his Christmas tour of the world.
In an exclusive interview, Santa Claus indicated great knowledge of Grant County. He indicated that the location was an excellent place from which to reach all four corners of the world within a twenty-four-hour time period.
"I am quite familiar with Silver City and the nearby communities," stated Santa Claus. "The airport facilities are quite adequate for the needs of anyone looking to travel north, south, east, or west. A number of key suppliers are in the region."
Santa Claus was reluctant to verify specifics, but all indications appear that he will be spending a couple of days here.
Without confirming specifics, the Grant County Airport is preparing for a major event this week.
"We got an advance call from the North Pole to be ready for a special visitor," stated Rebekah Wenger, Grant County Airport Manager. "We set aside hanger space for this special guest."
"Prior to my annual trip, I try to make sure my trusted associates are all well-fed and in good shape," Santa Claus explained. "Grant County and southern New Mexico have all of the key elements needed to assure quality services. The Gila has substantial resources of fresh water."
Though Santa Claus did not mention the names of his associates, The Chronicles Of Grant County has been able to confirm that two businesses are delivering supplies for 9 customers arriving today at the Grant County Airport: Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Prancer, Rudolph, and Vixen. In addition, another company is delivering supplies addressed to a "SC" set to arrive at the Airport today.
Good little boys and good little girls (not to mention adults who recall bedtime stories told to them as children) will recognize these names as those of the 9 reindeer who help drive Santa Claus around the world. "SC" is believed to be code for "Santa Claus."
Another indication that Grant County will be the center of global activity this week comes from an official with Visit Silver City.
"I just heard that the Grant County Airport approved a peculiar flight plan for a flight coming from the North this week," said David Chapman at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center in Silver City. "The airport staff told me that we should prepare for a very special visitor. I immediately put together maps of all our towns and neighborhoods to send to some airline called 'ReindeerAir, Inc.'"
"We love visitors who come for Christmas," Mr. Chapman continued. "We hope whoever this special visitor is that they meet all of our wonderful residents."
Interestingly, whomever this special person is, Ms. Wegner confirmed that "He is not required to file a flight plan with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We don't anticipate any problems with our guest leaving on time for his travels."
Who is able to fly in and out of the United States of America without filing a flight pattern? In checking with Federal sources, only Santa Claus and his nine reindeer are given permission to come and go as needed. One unnamed Federal official commented that "No passport, No REAL ID, no paperwork is needed for Santa Claus. We appreciate the fine work of Santa Claus and the nine reindeer." The official also gave a shout-out to the elves who work behind-the-scenes to make the 24-hour trip a success each year.
Santa Claus did confirm that he's been making a list, checking it twice of all the children in Grant County. "Our tech elves have digitized all of my records," Santa Claus said. "It makes it much easier to keep track year-to-year of the progress made by children – and those young in spirit – as I believe everyone has a good heart."
He asked we get out his message of love:
"Merry Christmas!"
Grant County Airport has a special guest this week. (Photograph was provided courtesy of Rebekah Wenger, 2020.)
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© 2021 Richard McDonough