BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

Santa and Mrs. Claus are a popular pair at this time of year, and over the last few days it’s been difficult not to bump into the jolly pair. They arrived on fire trucks, through back doors and even hitching a ride on an airplane that dropped out of the sky last Sunday at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton.

“It’s the fastest way for old St. Nick to get here,” said James R. Priebe, Communications & Marketing Coordinator for the museum. “The kids love to see Santa, and the parents are delighted by their tour of the unique museum. It’s not every day that you can enjoy wonderful breakfast in the iconic Tin Goose Diner, enjoy sitting in an antique fire truck, seeing all of the old airplanes such as the Tin Goose and the listen to the Port Clinton High School Choir.”

Santa had his hands full with Theo, 3 months, and Kai, 3, during Sunday’s visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids and their dad, Ben Cowie, made the trip all the way from Hudson, Ohio for the aviation adventure. (Photo buy D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

The Liberty Aviation Museum, which was founded in 2012, has evolved into one of the finest aviation museums in the country. It is much in demand for tour groups, and has a summer schedule that ranges from exotic car and aviation shows, to military shows. Its social events included last last week’s Veteran’s Memorial tour.

“We made sure to have the museum and the PX open with special sales all day, and were bit surprised that so many turned out for the special breakfast. About 150 boys and girls their families had lots to see and do — including receiving a Christmas present and the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted under their Christmas tree at home on Christmas morning.”

The Liberty Aviation Museum on the eastern edge of the Erie–Ottawa International Airport, which is three miles east of Port Clinton, was awarded the “Best of the Best” trophy for the best local attraction by a readers vote in 2012.

Families enjoying a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Liberty Aviation Museum on Sunday had a great time singing along to Christmas carols. The Port Clinton Choir included, left to right, Hayden Shrader, Quinn Felbinger, Anna Hittepole, Amelia Nardecchia, Lydia Roberts, Lillie Rolen, Camiah Baker and Emily Boykin. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)