On Saturday, December 8, Santa and a parade of 20 aircraft brought Christmas joy to families of the Children’s Cabinet during a unique event called Operation Santa Claus at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Pilots from throughout the region joined an aircraft parade and used the planes to bring hundreds of gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance and arrived in a Nevada Air National Guard C-130.
The parade of planes landed and taxied as one large squadron to a hangar at Atlantic Aviation. Greeted by a crowd of several hundred guests and volunteers, including the families receiving gifts, the parade was only the beginning of a magical morning including performances, gifts, photos, lunch, crafts and more. Operation Santa Claus is coordinated by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, Atlantic Aviation and Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group and is made possible by hundreds of volunteers including Wolf Pack football players, Flips gymnasts, North Valleys H.S. JROTC, McQueen H.S. choir, Paws 4 Passengers, airline employees and more.
KTVN Channel 2 – Operation Santa Claus a Success for Fourth Straight Year
KRNV Channel 4 – Parade of Airplanes Bring Christmas to Families of the Children’s Cabinet
KOLO Channel 8 – Santa Ride C-130 to Reno to Help Families of The Children’s Cabinet
RGJ Photo Gallery – Operation Santa Claus Photos
Reno Gazette Journal (Print and Online) – Santa Gives Christmas Cheer to Families in Need
