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Ladies and gentlemen, Santa and elves, start your engines!
Join this year’s Indy 500 Pole Sitter Ed Carpenter as he delivers Santa to the world’s largest children’s museum in a Dallara IndyCar the day after Thanksgiving!
That is just the beginning as the excitement as Santa’s Big Arrival revs up at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on Friday, November 29, 2013! To the delight of excited boys and girls (and their grownups), Santa and his speedy driver will pull up to the museum at 9:15 a.m. And you won’t believe what’s up on the rooftop this year! If weather cooperates, a few of his “dare-dev-elves” have a special surprise for Mr. Claus and plan to repel off the top of the building next to the dinosaurs!
“We share Santa’s excitement of arriving at the museum as quickly as possible to meet all the good little girls and boys in a race car driven by the driver who clocked the fastest time qualifying for this year’s Indy 500, ” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “This is also a fun way for Santa’s most important helpers to showcase a few of the tricks they use to help the Jolly Old Elf up on the rooftops of homes around the world.”
“My family was so excited to learn that I’d be driving Santa Claus, the kids have been on extra good behavior and plan to ask him what his favorite midnight snack is. I’m hoping it will be a jug of milk and race car shaped cookies with the number 20 on them,” said Ed Carpenter. “We are long-time members and fans of The Children’s Museum. The kids really love the new and improved Playscape area, the dinosaurs and science exhibits! I had a great time racing visitors on a Hot Wheels® track during the Hot Wheels For Real! ™ exhibit last summer. I look forward to zooming in with Santa!”
For those tracking his progress, Santa’s speedy driver and slick racing “sleigh” will travel from the town of Speedway, Indiana past the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Illinois Street. A police escort will lead the way with lights swirling, to the world’s largest children’s museum.
“I am a lifelong fan of IndyCar Racing and Santa himself! The opportunity to see the big guy riding in the back seat of our 2-seater IndyCar is something I will cherish forever!” said Scott Jasek, co-owner, Indy Racing Experience, Dallara IndyCar Factory.
Once inside, Kris Kringle’s adventure will continue with his traditional dash down the giant Yule Slide - a lucky child by his side. Buy a full price adult admission ticket to the museum at the Box Office between 8-9:30 a.m. and receive a free youth admission ticket during those hours only. Santa’s good little shoppers can save more big bucks between 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. when The Museum Store will offer a 30 percent Black Friday discount on all purchases. Don’t forget that museum memberships make great holiday gifts for the entire family as well.
Throughout the seasonal exhibit, Jolly Days Winter Wonderland, families can create traditions and memories at the museum. Younger visitors are invited to slide down the two-story Yule Slide, skate in socks on an indoor “pond”, climb inside the Snow Castle, “ice’ fish, or bake pretend holiday goodies in the Tradition Kitchen.
Yo Ho - Ho Ho Ho! A visit to Lilly Theater will enchant families as they enjoy the interactive musical of Jingle ARRGH the Way! After discovering a mysterious message in the crow’s nest - Captain Braid Beard and the pirates are back in North Beach! They enlist the help of young Jeremy Jacob in solving the riddle to find the “Christmas treasure.” Though eager to sail once again, Jeremy Jacob reminds the Captain that he must be back in time to perform in his school’s Christmas play. On their way, they also dodge icebergs and “shiver their timbers” for a true holiday on ice! Upon arrival at the North Pole Jeremy Jacob and the crew are welcomed by Santa himself, who helps them to discover that the “real Christmas treasure” is the spirit of giving.
Look closely at Santa’s souped-up sleigh, special ornaments recognize the sponsors of Jolly Days. Making Santa’s Good List again for 2014 include: Fifth Third Bank, supported by Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.
The Dallara IndyCar Factory is an interactive Facility where the public can learn how IndyCars are designed and built! Everyone can have the opportunity to see and take photos with IndyCar Show cars, and even take a ride around town in a street legal 2seater Indycar! For more information about the Dallara IndyCar Factory visit www.indycarfactory.com
