Let’s head back again to the 1974 pages of the Delta Optimist.
This photo from Dec. 7 that year shows Santa Claus surrounded by hundreds of Delta children and parents in Ladner Village.
Arriving by helicopter, he’s pictured here on his way to Santa’s grotto at the OK Tire store on 48th Avenue to hand out oodles of hugs and presents.
He was invited by the Ladner Businessmen’s Association.
The following Saturday, he arrived by “Santacopter” at the Delta Town Fair mall in Tsawwassen, greeted by several hundred delighted kids.