Fanwood’s decades-old tradition, the Santa Parade, returned on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, with Santa and his escorts from the Fanwood Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Police Department making their way through the entire town to deliver presents to children.
This year’s event delivered gifts to more than 440 homes, an increase of almost 100 over last year. For that reason, Santa and his crew started their trek earlier and his route was changed to accommodate the additional stops.
The event is a production of the volunteers of the fire department and their families. They collect gifts from parents who would like them delivered, organize them into a route, then pack them into huge boxes to be carried on the fire rig and ambulance. Santa is assisted along the route by elves who include family members of firefighters. The rescue squad and police accompany the fire truck, heralding Santa’s arrival with the appropriate lights and sirens.
Mayor Colleen Mahr stopped by the firehouse before the caravan embarked to thank all the volunteers.
