FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Santa Claus got some ground-level preflight exercise this month when he joined local students during their latest walk-to-school outing, part of a program held this fall with a different themed walk on the first Friday of each month.

In September, the program kicked off its third year of monthly themed walks with Fairhope Elementary School and the K-Center, coordinated by the Fairhope-based nonprofit group Smart Coast in partnership with Baldwin County Schools and the city planning department.

“The November theme was ‘Giving Back’ where students brought food items for the needy,” said Smart Coast program director Charlene Lee. “The December theme was ‘Jingle Bells’ with a surprise visit by Santa, who donned a safety vest and walked with a happy crowd of FES students.”

The Smart Walk program will continue throughout the rest of the school year in Fairhope, Lee said.

“The catchy themes have been a hit with both parents and students,” she said of themes that included “Getting to Know You” in September and “International Walk to School Day” in October.

In addition to FES and the K-Center, Fairhope Intermediate and Middle schools, as well at the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, joined in the October walk, she said.

“Out of 15 Alabama schools that registered to participate in the international walk, five of the schools were from Fairhope,” Lee said. “This participation speaks volumes about the potential to recreate a culture of students once again walking to school.”

Lee said Smart Coast will soon begin to approach businesses and health professionals to help with the sponsorship of the walks.

In June, the City Council adopted a resolution that Mayor Tim Kant signed showing the city’s support of the Smart Walk program.

“Fairhope families really get the message,” Lee said. “It’s about living in a healthier, connected fashion and getting out with your community to interact.”

For more information, call Lee at 928-2309 or visit www.smartcoast.org.