Santa coming by car, not by copter (correction)

Santa will not be making his annual flight over San Marcos this year.
Kale Bowen of Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) public affairs said that due to a change in policy, Santa Claus won’t be arriving via Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter.
Air Evac Lifeteam’s director John Crady said due to an increased number of emergency medical service (EMS) flight related incidents nation-wide, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cut back on non-essential flights.
“They came down on the whole industry,” Crady said. “Unfortunately we can’t haul Santa around anymore.”

Bowen said Santa will still arrive at 5:30 p.m. today as planned, but he will be in a classic car from Dick Burdick’s Classic Car Garage.
“Dick Burdick is a good friend of the hospital, so we gave him a call,” Bowen said.
Once Santa arrives, he will illuminate the hospital with holiday lights and a San Marcos fire truck will escort him to Plaza Park for Sights & Sounds.
All other festivities, including a celebration at CTMC starting at 5 p.m. and the Sights & Sounds festival starting at 6 p.m., will continue as planned.
Gates at Plaza Park for the Sights & Sounds of Christmas will open at 5 p.m. and events will begin at 6 p.m. today through Saturday.
New this year is a $2 admission fee for ages 11 and up and a $1 fee for ages 10 to two. Children under two will be admitted for free.