Santa makes early visit to Linglestown area

Continuing an annual tradition that started in the late 1940s, Linglestown Fire Company members served as Santa's helpers by taking him on a pre-Christmas tour of its service area Sunday afternoon to deliver goodies to boys and girls. The weather was brisk but dry for the 29-stop run, and most of the stops had sizeable groups awaiting the jolly old elf's arrival.

"This is the best fire company's best event," said longtime firefighter Bill Minsker, who drove a 1941 Ford fire truck that served as Santa's sleigh. "My first memory of the fire company is waiting for Santa to arrive."

"This is what makes it fun to be part of the fire company," added First Assistant Chief Chuck Hoffer, Jr., the organizer of the run.

A Gazette thank you goes out to Fire Chief Bill Payne for allowing me to tag along to capture video highlights of this fun event.