With well over 100 people in attendance, the Friday night festivities at the Farmington Fire Department went off without a hitch – and Santa arrived on time, riding in on a fire truck.

The annual gathering has seen its share of rainy or foggy nights in the past but this year, skies were clear and there was just a little bit of a chill in the air as the firehouse meeting room started to fill up with eager youngsters and their parents.

Platters of homemade cookies, brownies and other sweet treats were there to be enjoyed, along with cider, hot chocolate, coffee and punch. Holiday music provided the soothing backdrop while children waited as patiently as possible for the guest of honor to arrive.

About 6:30 p.m., with the firehouse bursting with children, the fire siren sounded to alert the attendees about the impending arrival of the man in red, as he came in riding on the side of the fire engine, hopping off as children gathered around him for a holiday hug.

Then it was inside to meet with each child individually for a brief visit, the hearing of a holiday wish or two and the chance for parents to take a photo. All children attending also received a coloring book and a box of crayons, as well as a candy cane from Santa and a helper Elf who came to town for the evening.

Farmington Fire Chief Conni Bailey said the event was a success and it’s always fun to welcome in the community for the traditional holiday celebration.

“It seemed as though everyone had a great time,” Bailey said. “Santa did such a great job; it was fun watching him with the kids.”

Sponsors of the event are the Farmington Fire Board of Directors, the Farmington United Methodist Church and Farmington Fire Volunteers.