Santa Claus Lands in Sonora

Despite his busy schedule, a very famous and well-respected celebrity made time for area youngsters.

Saint Nicholas himself made an appearance in the Mother Lode Wednesday.

Special FAA landing requirements meant the big sleigh and reindeer had to land at the Columbia airport.

That was okay, however, since the DMC Air Med helicopter and team were right there on site.

They zipped Santa right on over to the Junction Shopping Center, only a few minutes behind schedule.

Hundreds of children turned out to tell Mr. Claus their wish list, and take a tour of the DMC Helicopter, which it turns out, was pretty popular with the kids. Multiple children said they actually liked the chopper better, although the wind and noise generated by the landing caused some brief irritation.

The turnout was so big in fact, there was a brief problem making the landing zone big enough for the helicopter´s landing. Organizers say they may need to find a bigger spot to accommodate all the kids for next year.