Copter Brings Santa and the Missus to Nutley Friday

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus made their auspicious arrival in Nutley Friday, landing via helicopter at the Nutley Park Oval to cheers from at least 500 children and their families.

This is the 30th annual visit sponsored by the Nutley Chamber of Commerce, whose member businesses donated supplies and services to an event that for decades has kicked off the holiday season in the township.

Kids and their parents lined the fence encircling the athletic field as the elfin couple made the rounds, greeting each youngster and posing for pictures with the excited children.  Volunteer elves -- 30 students from Nutley High School -- handed out candy canes and helped distributed bags stuffed with goodies donated by chamber businesses.

“I think this is even better than last year,” said Jim McGuire, the chamber’s incoming president. “Santa was nice enough to donate his time for us.”

Slipped Disc of Nutley emceed the event. Other businesses sponsoring the event include Bloomfield Pet Shelter, Flippin’ Out Tumbling and Gymnastics, DiLaRu Boutique, Nanina’s in the Park, Absolute Rehab Physical Therapy and Mystical Entertainment.