The countdown is on! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and kids across Mooresville are brimming with excitement as they eagerly await Santa’s midnight flight. But while visions of sugarplums dance in their heads, an army of helpers is working tirelessly to make sure the town is ready for St. Nick’s grand arrival.
From local businesses to government officials and the town’s corporate partners, Mooresville’s own “elves” have been busy ensuring a flawless Christmas Eve.
Mayor Chris Carney explained how much detailed planning and precise coordination goes into welcoming Santa to town. “We’ve been in constant communication with Santa’s North Pole team and the NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) Santa-tracking program for weeks,” Mayor Carney shared. “We expect Santa’s arrival just after midnight tomorrow, so we’re encouraging kids to head to bed early to make sure they don’t miss out on Christmas morning magic!”
Families can follow Santa’s global journey in real-time through NORAD’s updates here. Curious how NORAD helps Santa and how Santa gets it all done in one night? Check out these fascinating facts!
Reindeer preparedness
While the skies look clear for Santa’s sleigh tomorrow night, there’s a chance the reindeer might need an extra boost by the time they reach North America. Dan, founder of Iredell Firewire — a crucial link this time of year between the North Pole and Mooresville — explained: “Reindeer rely on energy-packed snacks like oatmeal, veggies and fruit. Santa might love cookies and milk, but his team needs something a little heartier!”
Firewire Dan assured Mooresville kids that he’ll stay on alert throughout the night tomorrow to ensure seamless communication between Santa and local first responders.
Assisting Santa
Meanwhile, Mooresville’s police and fire departments are stepping up as honorary North Pole staff. Police Chief Ron Campurciani shared that his team has been mapping out routes to help Santa navigate new roads built since last year. “We’ll also block off certain streets so Santa can deliver gifts quickly and without any accidental sightings,” Campurciani said.
And if you spot blue lights at the police department after midnight, don’t worry! Chief Campurciani explained: “We’ve offered Santa use of our K9 building to wash and feed the reindeer. Our team is ready to assist him however we can.”
Meanwhile, Mooresville Fire-Rescue Chief Curt Deaton has designated fire stations as official reindeer landing zones, adding reflective lights and safety cones to guide Santa’s sleigh. He said the fire department has conducted thorough inspections and chimney cleanings to ensure Santa and his reindeer land safely on rooftops throughout the community. “Fire trucks have also been equipped with extra GPS support to assist Santa if needed,” he added.
Not to confuse Santa with any other strange sightings in the sky tomorrow night, said Commissioner Gary West, the SFSA (Santa Flight Safety Administration) has recently been testing new Santa Overwatch Drones (SOD) in New Jersey. “We are ready to deploy these tomorrow night to watch over Santa as he visits us this Christmas,” West said, adding: “No worries! The federal government will not interfere!”
Santa’s secret pit stops
Commissioner Lisa Qualls said Santa has been busy prepping for the big night — with a little help from some of Mooresville’s small businesses and corporate partners. From consulting on sleigh upgrades with Roush Yates Engines, deBotech, Inc. — home of some of the fastest bobsleds in the world — and Corvid Cyberdefense to refining his steering skills with JR Motorsports and Penske Racing, Santa is ready to deliver gifts faster than ever, even despite the extra weight of toys that North Pole elves made with lumber and toy-making supplies provided by Lowe’s Home Improvement.
While recently in town, Commissioner Qualls said, Santa’s reindeer enjoyed a well-deserved break at Lazy 5 Ranch, playing reindeer games with local animals. And Santa himself indulged in a round of golf at Mooresville Golf Club, then treated himself to dinner at On the Nines and sweets at Carolina Pie Company before sneaking into Downtown Mooresville’s Jewelers on Main and Alexander Zachary Jewelers for a sparkling surprise for Mrs. Claus.
Commissioner Eddie Karriker said he has always wondered how Santa gets around the whole world in one single night. And how does he stay awake?
Commissioner Eddie Dingler, who owns the Shop N Save in Mooresville, said he may have an explanation. “It might have something to do with the strong coffee that the store brews and leaves out for him every year,” Dingler said. “We’re one of his secret pit stops. By the time he gets to us, he’s had milk and thousands of his favorite chocolate chip cookies all across the world, and they’ve made him a little full and sleepy. Shop N Save makes sure Santa has plenty of strong coffee and his reindeer have plenty of vegetables to help fuel them through the rest of the night! Santa can’t fall asleep on the job!”
Naughty? Or Nice?
Mayor Carney recently had a phone conference with Santa, who assured the mayor that Mooresville’s Nice List is far longer than its Naughty List. “But since I don’t believe there are naughty kids, I followed up with Santa by sending him a nice letter, asking him to consider giving a second chance to any kids who have found their way on the Naughty List. Meanwhile, I know he will be extra nice to the kids who have tried hard all year long to be kind and helpful to their parents, friends and teachers.”
The spirit of the season
With Mooresville fully prepared, the stage is set for a magical Christmas Eve. But Commissioner Karriker reminds everyone of the true meaning of the season: “The birthday of Christ … the spending of time with family, friends and loved ones … making memories, sharing stories,” he said. “Remember it is not the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.”
And from all of us at The Scoop: Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. May you enjoy and cherish every warm, magical, precious moment of this holiday season surrounded by those you love the very most. And to all the kids out there: Keep believing! Santa is on the way, and we hope he brings you everything on your list this year!
One thought on “Town of Mooresville: ‘We’re ready for Santa’”
Well thought out and written article on Santas travels. Thank you for sharing.