It is not every day that the big, jolly guy in red arrives by helicopter.

“I am on the good list. I rode the train, played games, and took pictures,” said 4-year-old Jonathan Piekarski, of Effort.

He was among the estimated 1,400 people awaiting Santa Claus’s arrival by helicopter in the field at Polk Township Fire Company on Saturday afternoon.

This was the second year that West End Food Pantry hosted the free event for the community.

“We started it so Pantry kids could come to the festival and not worry about the money,” said Karena Thek, director of WEFP.

She thanked John Kerrick, owner of Hi-Tech Helicopters Inc., based at Pocono Mountains Airport, for “his generosity and giving us a pilot” once again.

There was a lot to do outside in the parking lot and inside the firehall all afternoon. Outside, children could make crafts, play with the bright orange frisbees provided by Deluxe Plumbing and Heating, ride the All About Fun Express train, play games, and look closely at a few race cars, trucks, and quarter midgets on display. Rudolph, Frosty, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch walked around greeting children, taking photos with them, and offering them a piece of candy. The Christmas dog mascot was new this year.

“He was very popular. The kids loved him,” said Thek.

Shortly after 2:30, Santa’s helicopter was spotted overhead the field. The pilot circled the area once and then landed. The crowd cheered, and the kids anxiously followed Santa across the lot and into the hall.

“I was so surprised,” said 7-year-old Bridgette Louy, of Havertown.

Like many others, she had never seen Santa arrive anywhere in a helicopter before.

Inside, pantry volunteers handed out cookies, hot dogs, and hot chocolate while Christmas music played throughout the hall. There was a long line for photos with Santa. Mr. Matt’s Balloons was also a popular feature. He made Santa hats, bears, reindeer, snowman, and swords until the last child got theirs at 4:15.

“Attendance was definitely double, if not triple, of last year’s numbers,” said Thek.

In addition to Kerrick, she wants to thank the fire department, pantry volunteers, and everyone who baked the mountains of cookies.

Thek, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the volunteers took a break from clean up at the end to get their triumphant ride aboard the train.