by Wren from Duluth asks Santa if she can talk to him on the phone, learns about Lake Superior, and hears about Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge and shipping port history
Dear Santa, my name is Wren and I am nine years old. I live in Duluth, Minnesota, where my grandpa says our bridge actually lifts straight up into the air to let huge ships pass underneath it.
Dear Wren, I have flown over that remarkable bridge myself, and your grandpa’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I talk to Santa on the phone? My little cousin wants to hear your voice directly instead of just sending a letter.
Phone calls are trickier to manage than letters, Wren, given how many millions of children I would need to speak with directly. A carefully written letter remains my most reliable way of truly listening to every single child.
My second question is about our lake. My teacher says Lake Superior is the largest of all the Great Lakes. Is that true?
It is, Wren. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, so vast it genuinely resembles an ocean along Duluth’s shoreline. Flying over its frozen, moonlit surface each Christmas Eve is one of the most peaceful sights on my entire route.
My third question is about the Aerial Lift Bridge. My teacher says it was built specifically to let big ships through. Is that true?
It is true, Wren. The Aerial Lift Bridge raises to allow large ships to pass beneath it, an important piece of engineering supporting Duluth’s busy shipping port. I always enjoy watching it work each time I fly over.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Wren Larsen
Duluth, Minnesota
P.S. Have you ever flown under the lift bridge?
Once, Wren, very carefully timed.
