MINOT—Children got the chance to get their picture taken with real reindeer on Saturday.
Scheels at the Dakota Square Mall had two reindeer for families to see, as well as take pictures with. Mrs. Claus was also available to take pictures with, while Santa hung out at the other end of the mall.
The event also had free stickers and headbands for children, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallows for everyone.
The Magic City Discovery Center had a table with items for the children, including disassembled spinners for children to decorate, blocks for them to build, and other Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) related bags.
“Scheels asked us to be here for the reindeer event, so we put 300 bags together,” said Liz Weeks, education and outreach director of the Magic City Discovery Center.
This is the fifth year Scheels has brought in reindeer. Scheels Marketing Events Coordinator Amanda Heim said, “We definitely have a lot of kiddos that love to come and see the reindeer.”
The reindeer are from a ranch in Drayton, North Dakota. Ranch owner Kyle Hoselton said he has been raising reindeer for about 25 years. “[The reindeer] are just something for all the kids to see,” he said.
Amy Smith, who brought her daughter, Bristol, said she’s been coming to the event for three years, “We heard about it on Facebook, and then all our family was sharing it.”
Angel Young brought her three sons. “They were very cute,” said Jordan Young-Harvey. “That one didn't know if he wanted to be a deer or a goat,” said Jonathan Young-Hieb.
The event was on Saturday, Dec.18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
