The crowd was a little smaller than normal, but everyone in attendance had the chance to enjoy freshly baked cookies, some hot cider and an up close and personal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The traditional Farmington Community Christmas Party was hosted at the firehouse, corner of Escalon-Bellota Road and Highway 4, on Friday night, Dec. 21, bringing in dozens of youngsters from the region.

While their parents may have enjoyed the conversation and cookies, the kids had one thing on their minds – sharing their holiday wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived via fire truck and posed for photos as well as visiting with the children.

“We had 1,291 cookies and with the brownies and the Rick Krispies treats, we probably had about 1,400 altogether,” baker Kristine Kalebaugh said of she and mom Conni Bailey – who also happens to be the Farmington Fire Chief – heading up the treat making effort.

Any cookies left over make their way to some special supporters of the fire department, while there are also plenty for firefighters to take some home to share with their families.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived about 6:30 p.m., met with the kids and each child received a candy cane and small gift as part of the evening’s festivities.

Helping serve up the cider, coffee and juice were volunteers Jacque Brodie and Helen Burke, and many department volunteers also assisted, along with 11-year-old Mikey Kalebaugh serving as this year’s elf, handing the gifts to the kids.