On Comet! On Cupid!
Ed Bernhardt stands with Comet at The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Reindeer Express on Tuesday.
BILL BULEY/Press
John Costigan, 5, poses by a reindeer at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday.
Kids and adults visit with reindeer at the Reindeer Express at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday.
Cupid is part of the Reindeer Express at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Tina Costigan feeds a reindeer at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday.
Comet peeks through the gate at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday.
COEUR d’ALENE — John Costigan wanted to arrive early and be first in line Tuesday to see Comet and Cupid.
"I like them," the 5-year-old said.
His mom, Tina Costigan, nodded in agreement as they stood outside The Coeur d'Alene Resort, with plans that night to take the Journey to the North Pole with Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises.
But first, reindeer ruled.
"He really loves Santa and reindeer and everything about Christmas," Costigan said. "This year, he’s just really getting into it."
The Reindeer Express is new this year to The Coeur d'Alene Resort. Two of Santa's team that transport his sleigh on Christmas Eve will be near The Resort lawn by the entry to the Boardwalk from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-23.
The Resort already features extensive lights, decorations and displays inside and out and across the lake at the North Pole. It has elves who deliver milk and cookies to rooms and has fireside story time, too.
This year, The Resort added "S’mores on the Shores" at The Terrace Lounge, where folks can reserve spots around fire pits each evening and enjoy views of the Holiday Light Show.
Still, it was looking for one more special way to enhance the holidays for guests and locals even more.
An answer came.
"Why not reindeer?" said Amy VanSickle, director of marketing for The Resort.
Reindeer have proven to be as popular in real life as they are in Santa stories. Adults and kids have been coming out to see Comet and Cupid, who enjoy the attention and are particularly fond of children.
It's been so busy, in fact, that a reindeer helper was brought in.
John Costigan, wearing a Santa hat with a white beard, was delighted. He didn't flinch at the cold wind coming off Lake Coeur d'Alene. He not only got to pet Comet with the help of handler Ed Bernhardt, he fed him magical reindeer food.
"He won't bite," Bernhardt assured the uncertain boy.
Within about a minute, deer and boy were best buds. But which was his favorite, the bigger Comet with the massive antlers, or the smaller and cuter Cupid?
"Both," John said with a smile.
Comet and Cupid seemed pleased with his answer as they nuzzled up to more guests.
"It’s all about the magic,” VanSickle said.
