MINOT AIR FORCE BASE Santa's "sleigh" is a B-52 bomber when he arrives this week at Minot Air Force Base.
Santa is making a "trial run" a few days earlier than his scheduled Christmas Eve visit when he steps off the plane near one of the hangars late Friday afternoon. In the hangar, Santa will greet children and give them candy.
Various units are coordinating the Santa party for the children at the base, said Lt. Jose Davis, acting chief of Public Affairs at Minot AFB.
This is the second year for the Santa children's party at the hangar, an idea initiated by Col. James Dawkins Jr., commander of the base's 5th Bomb Wing.
Last year between 80 and 100 families attended the party. Approximately that same number or more are expected at the party Friday.
Next week, the base will host musical guests when a small brass band group from the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band at Offutt AFB, Neb., visit the installation.
Arriving at the base Monday, the group's members will perform in offices and hangars. On Dec. 20, they will perform at an elementary school.