Red Sleighs grounded by weather

Sometimes even Santa gets delayed by weather. The Museum of Mountain Flying's Red Sleighs Over Montana program was set to take flight this week and visit rural communities throughout the area. However, winter weather canceled the event.

A snowstorm Monday prompted the Museum and its pilots to reschedule the flights to Tuesday. However, weather throughout Northwest Montana caused the program to cancel their flights. Dozens of families were excitedly waiting for the holidays flights to arrive by plane or helicopter in Hot Springs, Plains and Thompson Falls. But safety is a top priority, even for the pilots who were carry Santa and Mrs. Claus to the area.

"Thank you to the crew at Museum of Mountain Flying for your enormous effort putting together Red Sleighs. You all are greatly appreciated," said Ruth Cheney of Thompson Falls.

Ledger reporter Miriah Kardelis waited in anticipation with the crowd at the Thompson Falls airport. She said that everyone understood the need to cancel, though one young boy did shed some tears. Families warmed up with hot cocoa at the airport, courtesy of Cheney.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were delivering toys to those in need throughout Sanders County as part of the program. The toys will still be delivered to the Sheriff's Relief Fund to assist in their efforts for Christmas.