Reindeer Express Bringing Holiday Fun to Cache, Davis Counties

Reindeer Express is returning to Utah State University on Dec. 5 in Wellsville and Dec. 13 in Kaysville.

The Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science is once again hosting Santa Claus and his sleigh team along with a host of other animals and plenty of holiday treats and activities. There will be two sessions on both dates: 3-4:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.

The main event is the inspection of Santa’s reindeer, which includes an educational presentation with both adult and juvenile reindeer that ensures they’re flightworthy for Christmas Eve. Other animals that will be present include donkeys, a camel, horses and cows. Depending on circumstances, there may also be rabbits, ducks and even a kangaroo.

Santa will be there, ready to meet guests and talk with veterinarians about his reindeer. Additionally, there will be free cookies and milk as well other products for purchase, including kettle corn and Aggie Chocolate Factory hot cocoa. Children can meet Santa and enjoy holiday-themed activities, and plans are underway to bring back the wagon rides of past years.

Associate professor and veterinarian Karl Hoopes is both the emcee and lead organizer for Reindeer Express, and he’s excited for the public to experience the event.

“The idea behind Reindeer Express is to share what we do at USU in the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences as well as the College of Veterinary Medicine and the importance of animal husbandry,” Hoopes said.

He has been involved with Reindeer Express since its inception, when it was managed by the then School of Veterinary Medicine. Soon after the school transitioned to a full college, it no longer had the time to take the lead on Reindeer Express, so Hoopes and the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science stepped in last year to take up the mantle.

“Reindeer Express is a unique opportunity to bring the public to some of our university facilities and share what we do, and all ticket proceeds go toward scholarships for students, so I was anxious to keep it going,” he said. “It's a lot of work from me and many other people, but it's fun and exciting, and the students love to help put it on. The energy that we feel from the people who come is amazing. And I’m still a veterinarian, and vet students still participate.”

While Reindeer Express provides family fun and holiday cheer, Hoopes said, it’s also about providing opportunities for students and supporting community programs at the USU Botanical Center and USU Extension’s Equine-Assisted Services work in Davis County. Guests are also invited to bring donations of shelf-stable food that will be delivered to the Student Nutrition Access Center, the food pantry on USU’s Logan campus.

“Donations and ticket sales for the event in Cache Valley go to scholarships for students,” he said. “We all know how expensive an education can be, and this money goes toward students that need help to access that opportunity.”

Parking at both the Wellsville and Kaysville locations is — weather permitting — on-site, but attendees should check the Reindeer Express event website before leaving to ensure they’re aware of any last-minute changes. Organizers also recommend that guests attending the Wellsville event double-check that they have the correct address, because some people who relied on navigation apps last year accidently were directed up Logan Canyon instead of to the correct Wellsville location on U.S. Route 89, about 8 miles southeast of the USU Logan campus.

The event on Dec. 5 is at the USU Animal Science/South Farm, 3600 South U.S. Highway 89, Wellsville.

The Kaysville event on Dec.13, co-sponsored with generous support from Goldenwest Credit Union, is at the Davis Agricultural Heritage Center, 788 S. 50 W., Kaysville.

To learn more and find links to purchase tickets, visit the Reindeer Express website at Extension.usu.edu/reindeer-express.