West Kelownians got a windy treat as Bylands Nursery brought in the big guy in the red suit in a helicopter Saturday morning.

A few hundred families gathered around a large circle marked off by yellow caution tape waiting for Santa Claus to make his appearance - and he did, gathering up a great "whoosh" of dust and dirt, snapping the tape and forcing giggling families to take cover as the red chopper landed.

"Really, it doesn't get any better than this," says Sarah Baker, who was there with her husband Blake and their two children Jessica, 4, and Conner, 2.

"They're so excited for Christmas, we just thought seeing him up close and coming in a helicopter would be a lot of fun for them - and for my husband," she joked.

The annual event also featured a hayride, apple cider, lunch and crafts, all in support of the local food bank.