While the world waits in anticipation for Santa and his reindeer to take to the skies, Mooresville’s new mayor spent today touching base with town staff, making sure everything is in place for St. Nick’s fly-through tomorrow night.
“Tomorrow is a big night for Mooresville, and we have to make sure everything and everyone is prepared,” said Mayor Chris Carney. “If Santa gets behind in even one town, his entire journey could get thrown off course. It’s a very big job, and the Town of Mooresville takes it very seriously because we want to do our part to make sure every child in our town and across the world has a magical Christmas morning.”
Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani has briefed all police units and told them to be on standby for the faintest sound of jingle bells or the first sighting of a bright, mysterious red light in the sky tomorrow night. “We always prepare for Santa’s arrival,” Campurciani said from police headquarters today.
He said every once in a while, traffic cops will catch a glimpse of Santa — and sometimes they even need to assist him! But they also have to make sure Santa’s precise location remains a secret. “A lot of times he crosses roadways to get to a house, so we follow him and block off some roads so he can get all his presents delivered quickly,” the police chief explained.
Fire Chief Curt Deaton said Mooresville Fire-Rescue will be standing by with ladder trucks — just in case. “MFR will be on standby in case Santa needs help getting on and off rooftops,” he said. “We remind everyone to be safe this holiday season. We are proud to serve all residents every day and wish all residents Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.”
Mooresville Commissioner Gary West said he will be watching the skies tomorrow night and using a special device to closely communicate with police and fire personnel who have boots on the ground. “I will be monitoring our Police and Fire Rescue Dispatch with a special Santa Radio,” he said. “I will be in constant communication with them and will alert everyone once he is spotted coming into Mooresville. We may even have our Police drone on overwatch to guide him in!”
Commissioner West has a special message for all Mooresville’s children: “Give your parents a hug and sleep well so you can open presents Christmas morning,” he said. “Santa is coming!”
Commissioner Will Aven lives in Mooresville’s historic downtown district. “Sometimes I just know I’ve heard the pitter-patter of reindeer hooves on my roof on Christmas Eve night,” he said. “My advice to Mooresville’s kids is to make sure you’re tucked in early tomorrow night, and my hope is that you have a very Merry Christmas.”
Commissioner Eddie Dingler, who owns the Shop N Save in Mooresville, plans to leave out a box of vegetables to keep Santa’s reindeer fueled for the long flight tomorrow night. “We are leaving out some cookies and strong coffee with milk for Santa Claus, too, so he can stay awake,” Commissioner Dingler said.
Commissioner Lisa Qualls said the town has been preparing for Santa’s arrival for quite some time. “It takes an entire community to prepare for this magical time of year,” she explained.
She said she’s heard that Santa sometimes makes his way into Mooresville in a vehicle other than a sleigh! “I hear that Santa loves to arrive to Mooresville in style, some years in a fast race car and some years in a big boat,” she said. “One thing is for certain: Team Mooresville will welcome him with much sparkle and hospitality.”
Commissioner Qualls said she had one little piece of advice: “Kids: be kind to your parents and one another. He is watching …”
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper and N.C. Emergency Management (NCEM) will monitor Santa’s progress as he approaches North Carolina tomorrow night. “Ensuring that Santa can deliver presents all over the world in just one night requires detailed planning, strong coordination among elves, reindeer and government officials, and a dash of Christmas magic,” Cooper said in a press release issued today.
NCEM is in contact with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to receive up-to-the-minute updates regarding Santa’s status and his progress, which will be fueled by cookies and milk (and don’t forget carrots and oatmeal for the reindeer!) left out by kids at various houses — and the Shop N Save — along the magical journey.
If you want to track Santa’s progress tomorrow, here’s how!: Track Santa!
And from your friends at the Scoop:
May you enjoy warm, magical memory-making with friends and family in the coming days. At some point, try to take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, look around and soak in every little beautiful moment. Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. We’re grateful for you.
8 thoughts on “Town of Mooresville prepares for Santa”
Well done, Jaime!
Thank you so much!!
OMG What a wonderful article. I was smiling the whole time reading it. Thanks so much. Have a very Merry Christmas my friend.
Thank you for making MY Christmas a little extra special this year!
Excellent story about Santa and the Town of Mooresville getting prepared for him.
I am getting really close to being 66 years old and every Christmas Eve, I can’t help but to look up in the night sky looking for a red light and for a chance to see Santa doing a fly-by.
Mom
Me too, Mom. Always. 🙂 Merry Christmas. Love you.
Nice story and shout out to our town officials!
What a special article.i am sending it to my great grandchildren to enjoy thank you for sharing.
Merry to you all.