Santa Claus (Bryan Taunton) makes emergency landing in Sylacauga, AL with the help of Alabama LifeSaver

December 16, 2024 - SYLACAUGA, AL - Christmas magic is arriving early this year at Indian Valley Elementary School! On Tuesday, December 17, Bryan Taunton, Sylacauga's own "Santa Claus", will make a special emergency landing via LifeSaver helicopter to pick up letters to Santa.

Santa's sleigh is temporarily grounded due to some technical issues, but with the help of LifeSaver, Santa will still ensure the children's Christmas wishes make it to the North Pole. The festive fly-in is set to take place at 10 a.m., delighting students and spreading holiday cheer.

Bryan Taunton is best known throughout Central Alabama as the famed Christmas icon, Santa Claus. Bryan is a lifelong Sylacauga resident with a passion for serving his community. Earlier this month, Bryan officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Sylacauga.

Bryan's candidacy is driven by his deep commitment to the city he has called home all his life. Married to his childhood sweetheart for the past 36 years, Bryan and his wife, Laura, have built their lives here, raising two children who are now married with families of their own, including two grandchildren who also live in Sylacauga. His strong family values are the cornerstone of his dedication to the community, making him a trusted advocate for the citizens of Sylacauga.

With an extensive background in strategic problem solving, Bryan's vision for the future includes growing the local economy, fostering job creation, increasing residential development, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. He believes in upholding the principles of the U.S. Constitution, family values, and a commitment to representing the best interests of Sylacauga's citizens.

"I'm running for mayor because I believe in the potential of Sylacauga," said Taunton. "We need leadership that combines vision with action, and I am prepared to deliver results that will benefit our community for years to come."

Municipal elections for the City of Sylacauga will be on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.