For more than 20 years, it set the Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade apart: Santa Claus arriving in style, by helicopter, on the levee.
“Watching that helicopter fly over the parade route, Santa Claus waving – and then watching the kids, their faces when they see him. It’s the most joyful thing ever,” said NCA President Stephen Weber.
Tim Mayeux made it possible.
The Luling helicopter pilot volunteered his time and expertise every year, flying Santa to the parade and creating an annual highlight for the many parade-goers.
Tragically, Mayeux passed away on April 20. This year’s Christmas parade was dedicated in his memory. His wife Dawn and the Mayeux family rode as grand marshals.
Weber called Mayeux a friend and a very giving, kind-hearted person.
“He loved people and he loved doing what he did (as a pilot),” said Weber. “Every year, you’d call Tim, ‘Hey, you’re gonna do it this year? What do you need from us?’ And it’s of course, I don’t need anything, just get Santa to my house … he said that he thought it was a blessing to do it.”
And it was a true act of kindness for Mayeux, who Weber said always refused to accept anything in return.
“We would try to give him a little gift certificate, this or that here and there – anything,” Weber said. “And he threatened – ‘if you keep sending me these gift cards, I’m not doing it anymore.’ That’s how adamant he was about doing it. To this day, I don’t know what it must cost to take off in that helicopter and do what he did for years. He was a joy to be around, someone I respect a lot.”
The parade was discontinued after an approximate 30 year run from the 1950s to the 1980s, but in 2001, a group of Norco residents including Weber looked to revive it.
“We were taking ideas from the bonfire parade in Lutcher, trying to get this up and going,” Weber said.
The idea of flying Santa in ultimately came up.
“I thought it was a pipe dream,” said Weber. “I wasn’t sure you could get a permit to land a helicopter on the levee in the middle of an industrial area. But the necessary permissions were granted, and Mayeux was brought into the fold. And soon, Santa’s entrance was a hit.
“After that first time, it became more and more evident that this is something that’s going to be unique to our parade,” Weber said. “I feel like a lot of people look forward to that more than even the parade sometimes, watching Santa land on the levee.”
Weber said the NCA is planning to add a plaque honoring Mayeux’s memory in Norco’s Town Square. He also said it was a joy to have Mayeux’s family as part of this year’s parade.
“We were blessed with Tim. I tell people that there aren’t many pilots who fly to the North Pole, pick up Santa, let those reindeer save their strength, fly here and fly back,” Weber said.
“It’s such a tragedy … I still can’t believe it happened. But to spend time with his family – his wife, his children – they’re such wonderful people, and it tells you everything you need to know about who Tim Mayeux was.”
