BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Pine River Fire Department (PRFD) estimates nearly 175 children came through the firehouse doors last Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, to see Santa Claus and tell him their Christmas wishes in advance of the holiday. “We would like to thank all of the good girls and boys who came out to see Santa yesterday,” a representative from the Fire Department said. Many of the children also rang the bell on the fire engine and got a tour of the firehouse, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles.
Their fourth annual event had the largest turnout to date, despite the absence of snow which made the weather seem more like October than December.
The PRFD held a drawing/giveaway for two bicycles and drew for the winners at the end of the day, however, the names of the winners are not yet being released “as most of the time those bikes are destined to be found under the Christmas tree,” a representative said.
“We have to of course send a big thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus for spending the day with us. He asked us to pass on his appreciation to those who brought him cards along with cookies and milk which he enjoyed on the way back to the North Pole,” he added.
The PRFD also extended a thank you to Auntie Ray’s “for giving us the cookies, which disappeared VERY quickly” and to Ana Blair’s for the coffee that was heartily enjoyed by parents and staff.
