Santa's helpers take the day off to hit the slopes in Maine
By means ofThe Associated Press
December 10, 2023, 1:44 PM
A skier dressed as Santa Claus crashes at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, on Sunday, December 10, 2023. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
The Associated Press
NEWRY, Maine — Ho ho ho, here they go – Santa's helpers took the day off on Sunday while a few hundred jolly elves hit the slopes.
With flowing beards and fluttering stockings, about 300 Santas in red suits were lively and fast at the foggy Sunday River Ski Area in western Maine as they took a break from the holiday crowds.
The annual event has been held for more than two decades, except once during the pandemic. The skiing Santas participate in full Kringle garb, including, of course, a white beard and a red hat.
The rules of the event specifically state that the hat must have a white pom-pom.
The annual event serves as a festive kick-off to both the holiday season and the ski season. It raises money for The River Fund Maine, an education charity.
This year's event raised $8,000, Sunday River representatives said.
“Each year, the kindness of Santa Sunday participants helps create impactful educational opportunities for our local students,” said Sunday River Resort President Dana Bullen.