Dozens of eager children gathered for cocoa, carols, a tree-lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck at the community center in Jamesport last night.
There was just enough of a nip in the evening air to make the hot cocoa served up by Jamesport volunteer firefighters a welcome way to warm chilly hands as the crowd gathered around the colorfully decorated gazebo.
Caroling was organized by Aquebogue Elementary School principal Phil Kent. Aquebogue music teacher Deanna Grunenberg led the children in caroling. After the last song was sung — Santa Claus is Coming to Town — the kids and their parents counted down for the tree-lighting.
As soon as the lights were lit on the three evergreen trees on the green, a fire engine’s siren heralded the arrival of Santa. The engine drove along Main Road and as it turned onto South Jamesport Avenue, children spied the man in red waving to them from the truck and, squealing with excitement, charged from the gazebo to the parking lot to greet the guest of honor.
Surrounded by a mob of gleeful children, Santa made his way into the community center where he visited with children and dispensed candy canes.
The annual event is sponsored by the Jamesport Fireman’s Association.
Santa, known by all to be a crafty old elf with plenty of magical powers, also rode a fire truck to the Big Duck in Flanders last night for a quacky celebration of the season. See separate story.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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