GEORGETOWN — Fire Chief Matt McKay is pleased to share that the Georgetown Fire Department will continue its “Santa Tour” tradition for a 29th year this holiday season.
WHEN:
Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. until about 8:30 p.m. The tour will be held as scheduled unless the roads and conditions become hazardous. There will be no rain date.
WHERE:
The tour will begin on West Street and follow nearly every street in Georgetown. The tour will also briefly stop at Georgetown’s tree and menorah lighting at Harry Murch Park which is being held from 4-6 p.m. The tour is expected to stop by the tree and menorah lighting at approximately 4:30 p.m.
WHAT:
The Georgetown Fire Department’s “Santa Tour” spreads holiday cheer throughout the community while collecting toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
As Santa and Mrs. Claus parade throughout neighborhoods in a Georgetown fire engine, residents will find toy collection trailers where they can donate new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages.
Last year, the Department collected 4,191 toys, equating to more than one toy per Georgetown household and almost one toy per every two residents. This year, the Department has set a goal of at least 4,200 toys.
Over the past five years, the tour has collected 18,535 toys. In 29 years of the tradition, it is estimated that nearly 100,000 toys have been collected.
The event is run by the Fire Department staff and community volunteers. Last year, more than 70 volunteers worked the event, traveling through 65 miles worth of Georgetown roads over a 12-hour day, only breaking for lunch.
This event is sponsored by Freedom Pest Control, Georgetown Barbershop, LEVIA, Trombly Brothers Towing and Automotive, Georgetown Cafe and G. Mello Disposal Corporation.
MEDIA LOGISTICS:
- Santa’s tour schedule may be found here.
- The Georgetown Fire Department will be tracking Santa’s location throughout the day here.
- Fire Department staff and volunteers will be available to media throughout the day, including during the lunch break at the Georgetown Middle High School at about 2 p.m., and during dinner at the fire station at about 8:30 p.m. once the tour is complete.
- Media also are invited to ride along in the toy collection vehicle.
- The Department expects to collect about 50 bicycles on North Street at about 3 p.m. Media is welcome to stage there or anywhere else along the route.
