WHO- Friends of Flying Santa announces plans for the 85th year of Flying Santa flights to New England’s Coast Guard stations and lighthouses in appreciation of the crews and families of the United States Coast Guard.
WHAT- Santa, a member of Friends of Flying Santa, will land a helicopter at the Coast Guard station and deliver a present to each child.
WHEN- Saturday, December 13th, 2014
WEST CHOP Lighthouse. 7:45 AM STATION BRANT POINT 8:30 AM STATION CHATHAM 9:10 AM STATION CAPE COD CANAL 11:25 AM STATION POINT ALLERTON 12:50 PM STATION GLOUCESTER 2:10 PM STATION MERRIMACK RIVER 3:20 PMSunday, December 14, 2014
WARWICK LIGHT. 7:50 AM PRUDENCE ISLAND LIGHTT. 8:30 AM AIDS To NAVIGATION BRISTOL 9:00 AM
Friends of Flying Santa, operated by volunteers and relying on the contributions of individuals and sponsors, works throughout the year to prepare for flights delivering more than 600 gifts to the children of Coast Guard families. This year marks the 85th year of Flying Santa flights to New England's Lighthouses and stations. Interested media please call (617) 717-9609 for access to the above Coast Guard stations.
This annual holiday tradition was started in 1929 by Capt. William Wincapaw, a float-plane pilot based in Rockland, Maine. He was a renowned aviator who flew seaplanes up and down the New England coast, providing delivery services to the isolated island residents. In those early days of aviation, he often found himself relying on the beacons of lighthouses to assist him in his navigation. Capt. Wincapaw had great admiration for these dedicated lifesavers and began his aerial Santa flights as a gesture of appreciation to help brighten their lonely holidays. The aerial Christmas Day delivery of small packages of books, magazines, candy and toys were warmly received by these isolated residents. Capt. Wincapaw, with the help of his son, Bill, Jr., made this an annual event and expanded the flights to cover all of New England.
***NOTE*** - dates/times not for public release, media advisory only.