
Santa started his rounds early Friday morning in Rapid City, helping keep kids safe so they can open up all those presents come Christmas morning.
Kris Kringle took up his yearly post at the corner of Mount Rushmore Road and Franklin Street to usher kids across the busy intersection on their way to Wilson Elementary School.
From about 7 to 8 Friday morning, Santa stood his ground, stopping traffic and greeting kids and drivers with waves and smiles.
He's been on that corner almost every year for 19 years, but now, he says, it's about time to pass the torch to a younger Claus.
"I think this is going to be my last year out here," he said. "This is my birthday on Christmas day. I'm 87 years old. So I just keep going, doing things like this and enjoy doing it with the kids.
And even though Santa was out there Friday, he said the city always needs volunteer crossing guards, and you don't have to be famous to help out.