It was a chilly 55 degrees but there wasn’t any fog and no heavy rain in sight … just the blaring of the fire horn and the approaching sound of sirens as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in style at the Farmington firehouse on Friday night.
The Dec. 19 gathering at the firehouse, corner of Highway 4 and Escalon-Bellota Road, was the department’s annual Christmas celebration, open to all. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. so those attending could enjoy hot cider, coffee or hot chocolate as well as take their pick of the multiple varieties of homemade cookies and other sweet treats.
Holiday music played quietly in the background as the main meeting room at the firehouse started to fill up and, just a few minutes after 7 p.m., the fire horn sounded, providing the signal for those inside to rush outside and await the arrival of the special guests.
Soon the fire engine was in sight along Highway 4, slowing down to pull in at the fire station, much to the delight of youngsters.
Santa Claus hopped down from his spot on the truck to open the passenger door and assist Mrs. Claus, with the couple then surrounded by well wishers as they greeted the crowd before heading inside.
There, a long line had formed, as youngsters were eager to spend a few moments visiting with Santa and have their picture taken with both Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child also received a gift and a candy cane, some also taking home a stuffed animal.
The Guzman family was in attendance, including mom Rachael and dad Jose, with four of their five children getting the chance to visit with the North Pole visitors.
They included eight-year-old Olivia, six-year-old Emelia, five-year-old Thomas, two-year-old Gemma and Paul, four months, who was content to sleep in the stroller as opposed to getting in a visit.
It was the first time the family attended the Christmas gathering hosted by the fire department.
“We just moved to Farmington in the summer,” mom Rachael said, with everyone enjoying the chance to join in with the rest of the community for the event.
Two-month-old Lawson Samuel – who hit that milestone on Friday – didn’t say much during his visit with Santa, noted mom Khrista Samuel, who stopped in with her husband Jake.
All in attendance were able to eat more than their fair share of the homemade cookies, with varieties ranging from snickerdoodles to chocolate chip to frosted Christmas cookies spread out on plates at a couple of different locations around the firehouse.
The community Christmas party is something the fire department has put on for years and officials said they were glad to welcome residents in to share a little holiday cheer with them once again.
