Even though this event did not go off as planned... I would still call it a HUGE success...
Sure, there is nothing "Improv-ish" about Santa going to the Mall... But in this case, Santa went to the Mall of America as a GUEST!
The original Idea: North Pole High School is having their Senior Class Trip, and where better than the Mall of America? Of course, since we are all from the North Pole, we all want to be just like Santa. So we all have beards and hats.
Since "The Hotness" (AKA Short Stuff), Scott and I were the first to show, we were hoping for more people.
Jesse and his father Sam (I believe that is correct) showed up. Since Jesse doesn't drive yet, Sam brought him over, and would have been a willing participant if we had more people to show. We even had WCCO out there for coverage!
Unfortunately, it was just us, so we sent the WCCO guy on his way (THANKS FOR COMING!) and Sam and Jesse headed home.
While Scott, Zach (Short Stuff) and I were waiting for people (prior to WCCO and Sam/Jesse showing up), we got some shots of me in my Santa suit. Scott needed to test his new flash and get his Camera set.
Santa in his "Sleigh"


The Macarena!




The Fonz...

Anyway, Santa made it to the mall, and was immediately swarmed by children of all ages!



He was even challenged to an Arm Wrestling competition! (Santa won by the way...)

The Arm Wrestling was a photo op for a group doing a scavenger hunt in the Mall. Santa and his cronies played along with them, and opted to help on a few items. In return, they participated in a few things with us. More coming below.
More kids and lots of hugs...

Meet Brent (I believe that is correct)... His birthday is December 23rd! He was SO EXCITED to meet Santa, he couldn't stand still. He was practically jumping all over the place.

Since it was Brent's birthday, who better to sing Happy Birthday than Santa, his friends (the Scavenger Hunt guys and gals) and Zach and Scott.
After this, Santa decided he wanted to experience the many wonders of the Mall. Including Nickelodeon Universe! The Theme Park inside the mall!



If you aren't familiar with this coaster, it spins in circles, AS IT ROLLS ON THE TRACK!
Santa and Zach "The Hotness" (Don't blame me. I didn't choose it.)

Video Footage on the way with that one.



All Done...

Next up! The Log Ride!!

Ho Ho Oh No!



More kids! And the entire family!


This family was so excited to see Santa Claus walking around, she asked us for a photo!
The Mall Santa that has his own booth is charging for photos. It can be quite expensive.
She was thrilled that we allowed them to take a photo at no charge. She kept thanking us repeatedly. We let her in on who we were and that we were just there to get people to smile and spread some Holiday Cheer.


Gabby was thrilled to see Santa. She wants all sorts of stuff for Christmas.

This guy was happy that I was going to give him Reindeer Dung for Christmas. Since Coal is so expensive, I have to resort to that. And he says it is better than the dog crap he got last year.

The Bumper Cars were absolutely dead when I showed up.. Not another soul in sight..


As soon as people realized Santa was on the ride, they came over.. Seeking vengeance for not getting the Pony they asked for when they were 8?



This little girl couldn't believe she was playing Bumper Cars with Santa!


Santa gets a solid hit! Notice the deformation in the bumper?

Little Bobby here is getting a lump of coal... He went for the cheap shot.

Santa giving the evil eye to Timmy.

Santa on the Sponge-Bob ride... A vertical climb, and a vertical drop with a loop and a barrel roll...

Ho Ho HOLY SH**!!!




No worse for the wear...


It doesn't matter what nationality or faith you are. Everyone loves Santa!

Santa on the Ghost Hunters ride!


Of course, random people wanted photos with Santa. We told them where to find them, here online!


And last, but not least.. What night isn't complete without some Thai Food?

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!