Festivities and events mark Durango holiday shopping event
Brandon Laird of Colorado Highland Helicopters was Santa’s pilot Friday evening at Fanto Park. He flew in to mark Noel Night, one of the biggest shopping nights of the year downtown.
About 200 hundred people showed up to see Santa Claus arrive by helicopter at Fanto Park on Friday. One young bystander thought Santa’s helicopter was going to blow her away, when she heard he was ditching his sleigh for the night.
Dezarae Pringle, 11, snacks on hot chocolate and cookies while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus by helicopter Friday evening at Fanto Park.
About 200 hundred people showed up to see Santa Claus arrive by helicopter Friday evening at Fanto Park. The crowd stayed behind the fence for safety while the helicopter landed.
Light snow fell on eager young faces Friday night as they awaited Santa’s helicopter at Fanto Park.
“I can’t believe it’s snowing – this is perfect,” said Monica McConnen, who came with her grandchildren.
With a roar and massive gust of wind, Santa landed and was heralded by cheers from the crowd.
His dramatic entrance helped kick off Noel Night downtown, an evening of music and shopping along Main Avenue.
As his carriage waited to take him to the Main Mall, about 200 people flooded onto the field to see him up close.
One 6-year-old bystander was convinced the helicopter was a disguise.
“It’s actually reindeer,” he said.
Mary Shinn
