Santa Claus is fond of Indian River As everyone knows, Santa Claus regularly visits Indian River. What many people don't know is that of all the places in the world that Santa Claus visits, he likes Indian River best. He's considering moving here when he retires. In a recent exclusive interview with the Resorter ­ an interview that has the Washington Post, New York Times and Chicago Tribune simply green with jealousy ­ Santa Claus explained his fondness for Indian River. "I began coming to Indian River when I was just a young elf," Santa explains. "Back then, getting to Indian River from the North Pole was a tough trip. Sleighs were heavier and less aerodynamic and rein deer weren't as powerful or fuel-efficient. It was a tough sledding." These days, Santa comes to Indian River twice a year. He makes the routine Christmas Eve trip and also comes to Indian River on the day after Thanksgiving for the annual Indian River Christmas celebration, which serves as a kick-off for the Christmas season. "I like the Indian River Christmas celebration," Santa says. "It's one of my favorite events of the holiday season. It's a nice traditional, family event."  At one time, Santa only came to the Indian River Christmas event for a couple of hours in the evening. He would fly in around 6 p.m., pose for pictures and listen to Christmas wishes from area children at the Chamber building and then fly out again. However, in recent years he's taken to spending more time in Indian River and making a day of it

To begin with, Santa no longer flys to Indian River on his sleigh. "A few years back, due to my age and declining eye-sight, I went on a restricted driver's license which only allows me to drive the sleigh on Christmas Eve," Santa says. Now, in order for Santa to attend the Indian River Christmas program, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28 this year, a fireman from the Tuscarora Township Fire Department drives to the North Pole, picks him up and brings him to town. "It's a long drive, but they make good time because traffic's not bad, especially once you get north of the Arctic Circle," Santa remarked. Arriving in Indian River bright and early on the day after Thanksgiving, Santa starts his day with a trip to the Indian River Christmas Craft Show. The show takes place at the Inland Lakes Middle/High School building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 100 craft people from throughout Michigan will be exhibiting and selling their creations. "I enjoy the craft show," Santa says. "I don't do any official Santa work there. In fact, I don't even wear my normal red outfit. I just mingle with the hundreds of other people who are there. I buy a few gifts, you know things that my elves can't make. And I just enjoy seeing the creativity and talent that's displayed in the work."

This year, Mrs. Claus came to Indian River with Santa. Normally, she doesn't make the trip, but she'd heard so much the town that she wanted to check it out for herself. Mrs. Claus agreed to tell children's stories at a story time beginning at 5 p.m. in the Indian River Library. Luminaries will light the streets of Indian River as darkness falls Friday evening. "I like those luminaries," Santa says. "They're beautiful. I kind of wish they'd light them again for Christmas Eve. It might make it easier for the reindeer on landings and take-offs." Santa arrives at the Village Green by dog sled at 6 p.m. to assist in lighting the community Christmas tree. After lighting the tree, he poses for pictures with children at the Chamber of Commerce. While Santa is lighting the tree and posing for pictures Indian River Kiwanis Club members will be dishing out soup provided by local restaurants. There will also be a bonfire and hot chocolate along with Christmas caroling and music from the school band. "Unfortunately, I miss the caroling while I'm posing with the kids," Santa says. "But it's vital that I hear their Christmas wishes so that I don't get confused and give kids the wrong stuff. Fortunately, I don't miss out on the soup. I've got some friends among the Kiwanians and they save a little for old Santa."

Santa also usually is still busy at 7 p.m. with the kids so it's tough for him to make it down to the Township Hall for the start of the old time country and Christmas music. But the music lasts for a while so Santa plans on making it down to the hall for a least a little toe-tapping. Several downtown businesses are staying open with special evening hours Friday. It's not easy finding a parking spot for a sleigh at shopping malls and downtown Indian River is a much more casual atmosphere. Santa will be among the Friday night shoppers looking to either get some shopping done early or at the very least get some ideas.