Santa flies in from chopper to chopper

WASILLA — The helicopter riding, motorcycle loving Santa Claus returned for his third appearance at the annual Santa Fly In event at Denali Harley-Davidson on Saturday. The shop off Hyer Road bustled with biker elves, helicopter rides, live reindeer, hot cocoa, cookies, games, and photo opportunities with Santa on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The reason for the season was to collect toys for the Special Santa program, a volunteer toy drive that donates thousands of gifts to children across the Valley every year. There was an assortment of activities and chances to mingle with friends both old and new; but the heart of the event was to raise funds and collect toys for children in the Valley. Numerous motorcycle groups from around town and even Anchorage got together the help make this happen. The goal was to collect 500 toys. Denali Harley-Davidson store manager, Fred Becker, was thrilled by the hefty turn out. He was pleasantly surprised to see more of the general public flowing into the shop. A fair amount of people the Denali Harley crew don’t typically see came through. And when everything came to a close, the total number of toys collected was 421, with $79 cash donated.

“We’re a big family here,” said Aaron Hoelscher, Anchorage Harley-Davidson Hog Group, Chapter 66 rider.

Denali Harley-Davidson, the Biker Elves (with the Christian Motorcycle Association), Iron Wolves, and other groups combined man hours and resources to make this event happen. Iron Wolves ran security and helicopter crowd safety. Heli-Alaska partnered again to fly in Old Saint Nick and also provided free rides for children (accompanied by their parents). Throughout the day, Heli-Alaska took off with new passengers to fly around the Wasilla area.

“It was so awesome!” one kid said as she returned from her trip.

Heli-Alaska pilot, Dusty Little flew everyone around for the event. Heli-Alaska co-owner, Justin Lemoine was also there. Lemoine said that they hit a new record of children passengers this year. Many of the 113 kids who got to fly in the helicopter did so for the first time.

“It’s the one time of the year we get to give back,” Lemoine said.

“I love seeing the kids’ faces light up,” said Skeeter, an Iron Wolves rider who provided event security and helicopter crowd control.

Hoelscher said the turnout was “wonderful.” He saw this event as a reflection of how different the biker groups in Alaska are compared to the Lower 48. The assorted groups of Alaskan bikers not only refrain from being territorial and conformational, but they also have a tendency to work together with events like this throughout the year. It’s common for an Alaskan biker to have dual membership with two different riding groups. Hoelscher was humbled by another year, another huge team effort for a good cause.

David Jackson was wearing a sparkly green hat shaped like a Christmas tree. He’s a rider with the Harley-Davidson Hog Group, Mat-Su Chapter 18-36. This was his first time participating in the event.

“It’s definitely worth it,” Jackson said.

The 2017 Miss Harley, Quin Burton, lives in Anchorage but she came to the Santa Fly in to spread some holiday cheer. Somewhat similar to other “Miss” titles, Miss Harley attends various events and functions throughout the year with the mission to empower women and promote women riders. As a rider, she loves the wind in her face, the freedom, and the sense of comradery- a sentiment shared with countless others at the event, including Santa.

“You get to have an alter ego: PTA Mom by day and Biker Chick by night,” Burton said.

Another Harley-Davidson Hog Group, Mat-Su Chapter 18-36 rider, Tommy, has an alter ego of his own. This is the second year he’s dressed up as Santa. Having assumed the role many times since 1978, he said the secret to making a good connection with kids, especially shy ones, is to adopt a softer, higher tone when speaking. He needs no props. He’s had a beard most of his life. He said he’s only been shaven for a total of 8 months since 1975. He said what makes a good Santa is “loving what you do.”

“Once I found out the toys stayed in the Valley, I wanted to make it bigger and better every year,” Becker said.

This event was a part of the Biker Elves Toy Drive, an annual, charitable event that collects toys and other gifts for children in the Mat-Su Valley. All of their efforts go toward the Special Santa Program, the Valley’s own toy drive with its own elf workshop. All the children’s presents gathered by biker elves are transfered to the sorting elves busily working away in the new Salvation Army in Palmer.

“It’s a blow out every year,” said Glen Butts, head biker elf.

Glen Butts started the Biker Elves Toy Drive several years ago with his former riders. He currently rides with the Christian Motorcycle Association’s Midnight Son Riders, Chapter #801. His toy drive grows each year, showing no signs of slowing down. For the past 6 years, the bikers have teamed up with numerous businesses and organizations around town, using collection bins and donation jars at several locations. As a part of the drive, the bikers work with Tacos Cancun in Wasilla for their Tacos for Toys drive, an ongoing sales event. Those who bring in a new toy to donate will get 50% off a taco platter. The drive runs from November 1st until Christmas Eve. For more information, contact Butts at 907-357-0579 or visit cmanwr1.org/AK/MIDNIGHTSONRIDERS

“I am proud to say it has grown and helped so many people during this time- children and adults alike. The Special Santa Program is a much-needed help for people in our community, and Biker Elves are glad to be a part of it,” Butts said.