Maya Windoloski and Olivia Webber sit with Santa Claus.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
EAST LONGMEADOW — Blue, red and green lights flashed in the distance, sending up a cheer from the throngs of children lining curb in front of the First Congregational Church in East Longmeadow on Dec. 6. As the lights got closer, people could see they were glinting off of police cruisers and construction vehicles covered in holiday decorations. Trucks with inflatable snowmen and Christmas trees strapped onto the bed rolled through the Center Square rotary. People waved out of the vehicle windows and perched on the back of trucks to toss candy and glow sticks to the children.
The final vehicle, a fire engine, carried the guest of honor, Santa Claus.
Dismounting from the truck, Santa greeted the families, waving and shaking hands. Taking the microphone he thanked the East Longmeadow Lions Club, which had organized the truck parade and decorated the Christmas Tree with help from Arbortech Tree Services. Santa led a countdown, and after one false start, the enormous tree on the church’s lawn was illuminated in colored lights, casting a glow onto the snow around it.
After that, it was into the church for cookies and hot chocolate. Santa and Mrs. Claus held court, listening to the wish lists of children, while their parents took photos to memorialize the moment.
The event was the kickoff to a schedule of holiday events at area businesses, including a Stuff-the-Cruiser Toy Drive by the East Longmeadow Police Association at East Village Tavern on Dec. 7, a holiday dinner with entertainment at Mario’s Ristorante, also on Dec. 7, a Holiday Tree Festival on Nov. 8 at The Norcross House and a Toys for Tots collection party with the United States Marine Corps at East Village Tavern on Dec. 12.
