PALMETTO, Fla. (WWSB) - Santa made an early appearance in Palmetto on Friday for the 40th Annual Flight to the North Pole, bringing a magical holiday experience to more than 300 terminally ill and disabled children and their families.

Set inside a transformed winter wonderland at Feld Entertainment, the event offered a day of activities, sights and sounds of the season, and special visits with beloved holiday characters.

Children saw appearances by the Monster Jam mascot and truck, entertainment, themed activity stations, and — most importantly — a personal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Every child received a gift bag filled with presents prepared especially for them.

Founded in 1985 by Eastern Airlines flight attendants and community advocate Sidney Ettedgui, the program has contin

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