The North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop celebrates 60th anniversary

The North Pole, the home of Santa’s Workshop, celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Hundreds lined up for the anniversary to celebrate 60 years of fun on Thursday. Kids received free cup cakes and sang happy birthday to Santa.

The idea of Santa’s Workshop was first introduced in 1956. A 25 acre workshop was built on the slopes of Pikes Peak and in 1958 rides were added to the park.

The park has been owned and operated for three generations by the same family.

The owner Tom Haggard, says his parents first opened the shop. He later took over the business and has passed it down to his daughter.

What he’s most proud of is that in its 60 years, it’s mission has never changed and that’s to be a family friendly place.

“I know you talk about the past when you have a birthday but there is also the future. We look forward to the future. We’ll always be changing things and adding things. We want to look back obviously but we’re looking forward too,” said Haggard.

June 16 has been officially declared as The North Pole Day by El Paso County commissioners.