Rankin Inlet (Dec 17/03) - The terminal building at the Rankin Inlet airport was filled with squeals of delight this past week when Jolly Old St. Nick paid his annual visit to the community.

Jolly Old St. Nick took time from his hectic schedule to pose for a picture with Adina Tanuyak, who turned eight months old on the day of Santa's visit. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Canadian North airlines has been sponsoring Santa's visit across the North for the past several years.

Singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs, the large crowd of kids gathered at the terminal gave Santa a warm reception.

St. Nick took his time to make each of the kids feel special as they sat on his knee, had their pictures taken by family members and were presented with their Christmas treat bags.

Although a very busy time of year at the North Pole, Santa said he looks forward to his annual trek across the North to officially begin the Christmas season.

"Ho, ho, ho, yes, I had to leave the elves under the watchful eye of Mrs. Claus to make sure they didn't fall behind making the toys," said Santa with a twinkle in his eye. "It's always a pleasure to come to Rankin and see all the kids again.

"Some of them have grown quite tall since the first time I paid them a visit.

"Ho, ho, ho!"

Canadian North regional manager Randy Miller said while it's always a hectic time for him when Santa comes to call, he looks forward to the visit every year.

He said he never gets tired of seeing the excitement on the kids' faces when the Jolly Old Elf shows up.

"I sit on the edge of my chair every time Santa comes to Rankin because of the possibility of bad weather disappointing the kids," said Miller. "This year weather was definitely a factor, so I was a little more nervous than usual."

Miller said there were 700 treat bags handed out in Rankin this year.

He said Santa starts his Northern journey in Yellowknife before making stops in Hay River, Cambridge Bay, Norman Wells, Inuvik, Rankin and Iqaluit.

"Santa's visit is a lot of work, but when you see the kids with their faces pressed up against the glass, it's all worthwhile. I owe thanks to Noah Tiktak and the friendship centre, along with members of the local Path Finders for helping me out.

"I couldn't do it alone," said Miller.