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sarettah · 12-22-2003

Layoffs Hit Elves at Arctic SantaPark
Sat Dec 20, 4:25 PM ET

By MATTI HUUHTANEN, Associated Press Writer

HELSINKI, Finland - Santa's workshop may not be the joyous place it was in years past for the tens of thousands of tourists expected to visit northern Finland this winter. Facing a blizzard of debt, Saint Nick laid off many of the elves who work at the SantaPark attraction near the Arctic Circle.

"I feel really dejected, because being an elf is part of my identity," said Milja Vilmila, who was told her job as an elf helping Santa no longer existed. "Something will definitely be missing this Christmas."

Business is booming in Lapland, a vast area known as the last wilderness in Europe where traditionally nomadic Samis — or Lapps — herd reindeer. But SantaPark, which has accumulated $550,000 in debt in its five years of operation, has only seen visits decline.

"The work is seasonal so we have to cut costs in all possible ways," said Wille Rajala, managing director of the tourist attraction 520 miles north of Helsinki.

SantaPark is open from November to January, and briefly during summer for visitors who want to see the area when the sun doesn't set for several weeks.

The park is a vast cave which doubles as an air raid shelter, contains a carousel, elves' booths that sell trinkets and souvenirs, and a restaurant. It has yet to post a profit.

Company officials are confident Santa lovers will respond. For now, they have little choice but to tighten Santa's belt.

"We used to have 120 people on a monthly salary, which was ridiculous. Now we are down to three full-timers," Rajala said Saturday. Just 12 people staff the attraction now.

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12-22-2003	#1
sarettah Stay Out Of The Box Want to see your own Advertising Here! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lost in the ozone Posts: 10,318	Layoffs Hit Elves at Arctic SantaPark Sat Dec 20, 4:25 PM ET By MATTI HUUHTANEN, Associated Press Writer HELSINKI, Finland - Santa's workshop may not be the joyous place it was in years past for the tens of thousands of tourists expected to visit northern Finland this winter. Facing a blizzard of debt, Saint Nick laid off many of the elves who work at the SantaPark attraction near the Arctic Circle. "I feel really dejected, because being an elf is part of my identity," said Milja Vilmila, who was told her job as an elf helping Santa no longer existed. "Something will definitely be missing this Christmas." Business is booming in Lapland, a vast area known as the last wilderness in Europe where traditionally nomadic Samis — or Lapps — herd reindeer. But SantaPark, which has accumulated $550,000 in debt in its five years of operation, has only seen visits decline. "The work is seasonal so we have to cut costs in all possible ways," said Wille Rajala, managing director of the tourist attraction 520 miles north of Helsinki. SantaPark is open from November to January, and briefly during summer for visitors who want to see the area when the sun doesn't set for several weeks. The park is a vast cave which doubles as an air raid shelter, contains a carousel, elves' booths that sell trinkets and souvenirs, and a restaurant. It has yet to post a profit. Company officials are confident Santa lovers will respond. For now, they have little choice but to tighten Santa's belt. "We used to have 120 people on a monthly salary, which was ridiculous. Now we are down to three full-timers," Rajala said Saturday. Just 12 people staff the attraction now. http://www.bitsntits.com/humor000002.htm __________________ Free Adult Webcams