Santa Clause arrived in Fayette County at Falcon Field via a King Air airplane. He was accompanied by nine other airplanes, including a Piper Navajo, a couple RV 4's and RV 6's, and a Cessna 172.

They were all piloted by a group of local copilots who get together each Christmas season to host families who may need a little help providing items for their children.

As the planes all taxied up to the terminal, big bags of these items were hauled out to them and carried inside.

Santa Claus nestled down in his comfy chair by the Christmas tree and began talking to the excited tykes family by family.

Matt Davis, chair of "Santa's Copilots Toy Drop 2006," bustled about talking to Rudolph, yes he had a red blinking nose, picking up torn wrapping paper and helping Santa to hold four children on Santa's lap at one time.

It did not seem to cross the children's mind to see if Santa had real beard.
He does.

Ray Besch is a member of the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas. It is an international organization with over 500 members worldwide.

This past July it had its first international convention in Branson, Missouri. The 300 members on hand attended seminars on such subjects as how to better engage conversations with children, how to project a perfect Santa image, and how to speak with special needs children.

"Most of all," said Santa Ray, "we encourage portraying the reason for the season."

Ray and Matt live just a couple doors apart and four years ago Matt had a Santa lined up for the Toy Drop. When that Santa became ill, he begged Ray to take his place, and a new sideline for Ray began.

So far this season he has appeared at Oak Grove Elementary School, his church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and several Santa breakfasts.

He is also available for private parties, home visits and corporate affairs. He can be reached at 770-487-9215.

He and wife, Teri, have two grown children and one grandchild. Teri is always at his side dressed as a charming elf.

When he retires, he is looking forward to doing a lot of volunteer work. In the meantime, he will continue portraying Santa Claus, one that has a real white beard, and one that can be counted on to be the real, trustworthy deal.