(Fanwood, NJ) — A loud and colorful convoy traveled through Fanwood on Saturday, bringing Santa Claus door to door delivering presents to the town’s children. The annual Santa Parade, a tradition that began as a neighborhood celebration in the 1950s, has grown to a town-wide journey which this year visited hundreds of homes.
Santa is coming to town.
Escorted by the Fanwood Fire Department, Rescue Squad and the Union County Sheriff’s Department, Santa brought presents to individual homes and the waiting arms of children. Families who desired a gift delivery brought gifts to the fire department the first week of December. There, volunteers sorted them by address then arranged them into numbered boxes and a streamlined route for Santa to follow on the day of the parade.
Santa’s helpers loading the last of the presents into the Fanwood ambulance to be delivered to homes.
The Santa Parade began in the 1950s as a small holiday treat for children on Waldon Road. A neighbor’s red station wagon was the equivalent of a fire truck. Santa visited a few local families. The idea caught on and became more and more popular over the years. Today, it is one of the most anticipated and beloved events in Fanwood.
Santa’s helpers loading the last of the presents into the Fanwood ambulance to be delivered to homes.
Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh and Santa Clause.
Santa with the Mazzariello family of North Avenue.
Santa with the Dolbier Family of North Avenue.
The Mastroti family of North Avenue poses for a picture with Santa.
The Williams family children of North Avenue with Santa.
Santa’s Elves.
This child is excited to receive a gift from Santa.
Zorn family of North Avenue with Santa.
Buchney family of North Avenue with Santa.
Santa poses for a picture with the Elena family of Oak Court.
Santa delivers a present to a young child on Oak Court.
The Roglieri family of Oak Court with Santa.
