Santa arrives in style to surprise Grimsby residents

A Grimsby man invited his friends, neighbors, and community to a Christmas party at his home Sunday and Santa made a special appearance.

Blair McKeil transformed his massive property in Grimsby into a Christmas village.

It was a dream come true for the kids and adults, with a sugar shack, hot chocolate, a Beaver Tail truck, and a train ride. But the real highlight was Santa Claus.

Instead of his usual sleigh, Santa decided to arrive in a helicopter.

Everyone back at the Christmas village waited anxiously and then in the distance, the whirring of the helicopter signaled his arrival.

Those who came out to the event say they feel a strong sense of love and community.

McKeil says the event is a way to say thank you to those closest to him.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life, my whole family has. we’ve grown up in this area, its been really good to us. its really about saying thanks to everyone, and thanks to our community, and we just live in a great country, I’m really proud of our country.”

McKeil says he plans to continue putting on events like this, in multiple areas of his community.

Eric Vinneau has the story.