As communications director for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Scott Waterman is used to press calls about everything from feed to seed. Even so, he wasn’t expecting one about his office’s last-minute travel clearance for nine out-of-state reindeer.
“Dear Santa,” the order from Vermont State Veterinarian Kristin Haas began. “It is my distinct pleasure and privilege to notify you, on behalf of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts, that passage into and through Vermont on Christmas Eve 2021 is granted.”
The ruling follows a similar review by Alaska State Veterinarian Bob Gerlach in verifying “your esteemed reindeer team is in good health and fit for travel at altitudes of 10,000 feet or less.”
“As Vermont’s highest peak is under 5,000 feet,” Haas added, “this allowance should be sufficient to ensure safe passage throughout the Green Mountain State.”
The order included a certificate of veterinary inspection and a few reminders:
1. “The Christmas Eve weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, so during portions of your travel you may need to instruct Rudolph to turn on his high beams.”
2. “Although Vermont is the only land-locked New England state, we lay claim to Lake Champlain, which can provide a lovely water break should your reindeer team get thirsty while here. Although the ocean is certainly beautiful, we would always recommend fresh water over salt for reindeer drinking.”
3. “If your team needs a breather at any point while in Vermont, I am confident that our farmers would open their barn doors to you for a short rest before you head out again.”
Asked about the order appearing on the agency’s website, Waterman said, “this is for the kids.”
So his office is excluding the 81.7% of Vermont’s population age 18 and older?
“It’s certainly for adults, too,” the communications director clarified. “This is a state collaboration to make sure Santa has access to all of the places he needs to visit.”
Waterman then paused.
“I’m thinking about you quoting me right now,” he said.
Which led him to issue one last public statement in the interest of dairy farmers, local food producers and the jolly traveler Waterman hopes will visit him: “Be sure to put out milk and cookies.”