Reindeer to Land on Old Mission Penninsula

Dec. 7, 2008

The reindeer are coming!
And that’s more than a week before Christmas. On Sunday December 14, Santa and a small herd of live reindeer will visit a Christmas Brunch at The Boathouse on Old Mission Peninsula outside Traverse City to hand out presents to kids and pose for photos.
The reindeer are courtesy of Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm, which has been raising the arctic species for 18 years, beginning with three as a hobby. Currently, their reindeer ranch near Clare maintains a herd of around 20. The reindeer are trained, domesticated animals that are comfortable with crowds of people and receive a lot of individual attention.
Rooftop Reindeer is the largest reindeer display company in the country, having made over 1,000 appearances. They travel to about 90 events each year during the holiday season. Demand is so high that the business has to decline approximately 100 invitations each year.
The family business travels with two reindeer herds for Christmas celebrations. Some regular events are Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, zoos, hospitals, malls, parades and many schools and libraries across Michigan.
At the website: www.rooftopreindeer.com people can visit and see Blizzard, Goose, Noel, Comet, Rockey, Joy and some of the newborn reindeer calves. Also on the site, kids are encouraged to ask questions about reindeer by emailing info@rooftopreindeer.com. The reindeer are happy to respond.
The reindeers’ appearance at the Boathouse will be their first trip to the Traverse City area, with all encouraged to bring their cameras. The Christmas Brunch with Santa and the Reindeer will feature over 60 buffet brunch items, including prime rib, leg of lamb, quiches, fresh pastries, smoked salmon, shrimp, fresh fruit and more. The brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with reservations available: 231-223-4030. The Boathouse is located at 14039 Peninsula Drive, Old Mission Peninsula.