by A boy in Des Moines asks how much Santa earns, what the Corn Belt is, and why communities hold state fairs
A Letter to Santa from Des Moines, Iowa
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Cooper and I am 8 years old. I live in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by endless fields of corn under a huge sky. I love riding my bike and going to the state fair. My question is: how much money does Santa Claus make? My geography question is: what is the Corn Belt? And my social studies question is: why do communities hold state fairs? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Cooper (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Cooper! A boy who loves the state fair will enjoy this answer. The truth is, I do not make any money at all. I work entirely for free, and my real pay is cookies, warm milk, and the joy of picturing happy children on Christmas morning. Some clever folks have added up what my job might be worth if I ever charged for it, and it would be an enormous, silly number, but I would never take a single coin. For me, giving is its own reward, and it is the richest pay there is.
Your geography question: the Corn Belt
The Corn Belt is a region in the middle of your own United States, including your Iowa, where huge amounts of corn are grown thanks to rich soil and good weather. The corn feeds people and animals across the whole country and beyond. Iowa sits right in the heart of this important farming region. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: state fairs
A state fair is a big yearly celebration where a whole state comes together to show off its farms, animals, food, and crafts. Your own Iowa has one of the most famous state fairs in the country. Fairs help farming communities celebrate their hard work, share what they have grown, and have fun with rides, contests, and treats. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Win a ribbon at the fair for me, Cooper. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
