Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sam Penrod reporting Santa Claus made a special visit to Utah today with the help of Chopper 5, and he brought plenty of cold air with him from the North Pole. But that didn't discourage a lot of people from being at University Mall in Orem very early this morning to greet him.
Santa arrived in Chopper 5. KSL's pilot, Fritz Holly, was at the controls bringing Santa in for a smooth landing.
It was one of the first big events of this holiday season, and hundreds of people came.
Santa was escorted out of Chopper 5 by Eyewitness News Chief Photographer Kerry Jensen. Instead of flying in on his sleigh, Santa gave his reindeer the day off so they'll be well-rested for Christmas Eve.
Santa was able to greet the crowd and spread some holiday cheer, while at the same time checking up on all the children to make sure they are behaving.
This event with Santa has become a big tradition here at the mall in recent years, and we can hope Santa takes that cold weather with him back to the North Pole.
Santa also made an appearance at the annual Christmas Parade in West Valley City today.
He was there with all the usual floats, dance groups, and marching bands.
This is the traditional holiday kick-off for the community and especially for the merchants at the Valley Fair Mall.