For nearly three decades, Reindeer Express LLC, in Reardan, has brought the holiday spirit to communities across the Inland Northwest, transporting reindeer to Christmas celebrations, shopping centers, and community events throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

Founded in 1997 by Ed and Sonya Benhardt, the business is now transitioning to new owners Michelle and Jordan Duncan. What began with just two reindeer has grown into a specialized operation with a herd that once reached 48 reindeer and today includes between 20 and 25 animals, Ed says.

The company provides animals for annual holiday attractions at NorthTown Mall, in Spokane, and community events, such as those hosted by nonprofit Re*Imagine Medical Lake. Revenue is earned through event appearances, educational programs, selective animal sales, and antler sheds that are used in dog treat production, he says.

While Ed became the public face of the business, Sonya managed much of the administrative work, customer relationships, scheduling, and website development that helped establish Reindeer Express as a recognizable regional brand, Ed says. He adds that getting started in an area without interest was the biggest challenge.

"There wasn't a lot of information available," Ed says. "Most of what we learned came from doing it."

Building the business required years of travel and relationship-building throughout the region. Popular December appearances often book months or even a year in advance, and customer loyalty has remained a key component of the company's success, he says.

New co-owner Michelle's connection to the operation stretches back more than 20 years. Her father worked for the Benhardts, and what began as helping around the animals developed into a lifelong passion for her, she says. Today, she and her husband are preparing for their first season as owners while raising three children of their own.

"We want future generations to have the same opportunities to experience these animals that people have enjoyed for years," Michelle says.

Although the holiday season remains the busiest time of year, Reindeer Express also offers educational presentations and appearances throughout the year, as weather permits. Because reindeer are adapted for cold climates, summer events are carefully managed to protect animal welfare, she says.

"The animals come first," she says. "If it's too hot, we don't take them out."

Over the years, Reindeer Express has supplied animals for high-profile private events, including an appearance attended by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In one memorable assignment, reindeer were even lifted by crane onto a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier for a Christmas celebration.

As the Duncans prepare to lead the business into its next chapter, the Benhardts are beginning their retirement. Ed recently won the weekly Westport Fishing Derby with a 27 pound, 14 ounce lingcod catch, while Sonya celebrated retirement by attending a quilting retreat in Westport, Washington.

For the Duncans, the goal is to preserve a business built on creating memorable experiences while ensuring the region's holiday tradition of meeting real reindeer continues for years to come.

"It's great to see everyone's eyes light up when they get to see a real reindeer," Duncan says. "The adults get more excited than the kids sometimes, but it's great because it's like bringing a storybook to real life."