Santa on Fire Truck
Beginning around 5:00 p.m., you begin to hear the sirens and the excitement starts to build. Adults and kids line the streets or make their way to selected stops on the island with great anticipation. The jolly, red suited, white bearded guest climbs aboard Engine No. 32 for the annual journey around the island.
For more than 70 years, Santa has made a Christmas Eve tour of St. Simons Island on an antique red fire truck decorated with holiday lights and accompanied by an impressive escort. Kids eagerly await him at each stop to take their turns on his lap to whisper a last minute Christmas wish and to receive a stocking gift from volunteers from The Saint Simons Civinettes, the non-profit group who has been organizing Santa’s visit since the tradition began many decades ago. Generous donation from individuals and local businesses ensure that each child gets a stocking. The night is special not only for the kids who can’t wait to see Santa, but for adults who are excited to pass on this tradition that they also experienced as a child and have their own memories of their families’ participation.
The procession, which involves at least one other fire truck, motorcycles and other vehicles as well as plenty of elves and escorts arranged by the Glynn County Volunteer Fire Department, starts at the St. Simons Casino Theatre, continues around the island with stops at the Demere Ball Park, Shops at Demere, Glynn Haven Baptist Church, and the First African Baptist Church. There might not be snow on St. Simons Island but you would be hard-pressed to find more Christmas spirit than you can on this enchanted holiday evening.
If you’d like to make a donation to help fund this wonderful Christmas Eve tradition, please contact Dee West at 230-4618. Thank you to everyone who continues to make this night magical for island children of all ages. Elegant Island Living adds the element of modern day technology to the tradition by spreading word of the progress of Santa’s route on social media on Christmas Eve. Like our page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to stay informed of Engine No. 32’s whereabouts. Just call us Santa’s little elves.
