Everyone knows that Santa Claus has a thing for the color red. He’s famous for his predilection towards big, fuzzy red coats. He rides a red sleigh around. And he even has a red nosed reindeer. But with so many kids to see, one red thing Santa doesn’t have time for is red lights. So is it any wonder that when Santa needed a lift around Eagle Grove that could run him through the red lights, and take him to see local kids safely, he chose the big red trucks of the Fire Department?
Of course, never ones to land on Santa’s naughty list, the hard working firefighters of the EGFD were more than happy to help.
“Eagle Grove has always had good boys and girls,” Santa told the Eagle, “so it is always one of my favorite stops each year. This event that the Eagle Grove Fire and Rescue hosts combines two kid favorites in one : Fire trucks and ME!”
So why wasn’t Santa riding his sleigh around in the middle of the night, as usual? He will be, come Christmas eve, of course. But in light of Covid 19, he’s tried to see the boys and girls outside, and in their own homes, where it’s safer. Instead of the meetings he’s had in stores and other indoor gatherings, traditionally. And of course, being from the North Pole, the cold is of no bother to Santa.
“Essentially, we drive Santa around with a couple of our fire trucks. This event came as a result of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year,” Said firefighter Tony Wubben. “The event allows kiddos to see Santa outside of their home, which makes it a healthy and safe space for all involved.”
“It’s important for me to get everyone’s wish list, as Christmas is soon approaching,” Santa said. “Only 13 more days, said one little girl on Saturday.”
“I’m glad they do things like this,” said local Mom Tarisa Reed, “It makes it worth it, living here.”
Nine year old Orlando Delatore was surprised to see Santa. “Normally he only comes on December 25th, early in the morning,” Delatore explained.
Wubben felt sure the Fire Department would keep helping Santa even after the pandemic is finally over. “We feel this event is quite unique and don’t see it going away anytime soon! We brought Santa to over 100 kiddos at over 33 homes, which was about the same amount last year.”
This year Santa also brought along one of his elves, who bore an uncanny resemblance to local boy Kysen Sisson. Several of the children enjoyed meeting one of Santa’s toyland elves in person!
Everyone knows Santa saves his presents for Christmas morning, for all the good little boys and girls. But the fire department wanted to make sure that he didn’t visit kids empty handed. Which is why, Wubben said, the firefighters were grateful for the help of one local business. “This year, we partnered with Pinz bowling to have Santa deliver a juice box and a free game of bowling for each child on Santa’s route.”
Wubben also encouraged other local businesses, organizations, and individuals to pitch in, in years to come. “If you would like to take part in this event in future,” Wubben said, “be sure to like and follow us on Facebook (Eagle Grove Fire and Rescue), where you will see all of the events we offer on a regular basis.”
As for Santa, he had just one last thing to say before climbing aboard his sleigh and being whisked into the sky by his flying reindeer. “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Eagle Grove!”
