Not a Grinch in sight at this Manatee County holiday party for children with illness

Tiffany Tompkins
·1 min read

“You’ve grown so tall!” exclaimed Santa as a child shyly approached the man in red.

Elves and snowmen skipped and danced with children at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.

The program was created by Eastern Airlines employees and Sydney Ettedgui in 1985 and has been a source of holiday cheer for children with terminal illnesses, disabilities and their families ever since. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Fire Department have been part of the festivities for many years.

Santa left his reindeer behind for the day and arrived at the party in a Monster Truck, waving to the excited children below.

Sheriff Rick Wells shook hands with the jolliest elf before Santa eased through the crowd of Santa-struck children.

Each child had a chance to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Clause in a private room decorated with Christmas tree, stockings and twinkling lights.

“You’ll need two hands to carry this bag!” said Santa as he handed a child a heavy bag of gifts.

More than 150 children attended the party with their families.

Santa gets a high-five from a young admirer at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Santa gets a high-five from a young admirer at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children and adults wore holiday festive wear at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children and adults wore holiday festive wear at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children wait for the arrival of Santa in a Monster Truck at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children wait for the arrival of Santa in a Monster Truck at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children enjoyed a meal, songs, and rides on a small train at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Children enjoyed a meal, songs, and rides on a small train at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Santa gets a big hug from a child at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.
Santa gets a big hug from a child at the 38th annual Flight to the North Pole program for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto.