×

Christmas Is Coming

Santa Parade Ushers Holiday Spirit Into Falconer

Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the annual Santa Parade in Falconer. He is surrounded by his helpers, who threw candy to children along Main Street on the way to Santa’s House in Coleson Park, where Santa listened to children’s holiday wishes. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

FALCONER — Santa Claus himself backed up the Santa Parade as snow drifted from winter skies onto Main Street.

The Rotary Club of Falconer coordinated the parade for the second year. Various units from local Boy Scouts to the Falconer/Frewsburg High School Marching Band lined the parade route on its way to Santa’s House at Coleson Park, where Santa Claus listened to the Christmas wishes of local children.

Falconer’s holiday season has been kicked off this way for decades, approximately 50 years. Alan Gustafson, local Rotary president, thought the turnout for residents watching this year was impressive. A few more units than usual participated as well, particularly after a call of action for local fire departments.

Fire engines represented the Falconer Volunteer Fire Department, Frewsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Gerry Volunteer Fire Department and Kennedy Volunteer Fire Department. Falconer firefighter Peter Fuller, who drove the antique 1936 Mack fire engine in the parade, remarked that it’s great the fire departments can come together for emergency calls and activities like the parade.

“Everyone comes together for both joys and fires,” Fuller said.

Mayor James Rensel thanked the departments and the organizers of the Holiday Bazaar in the Falconer Fire Hall. Jane Fuller, Peter’s wife, has helped organize the event for 13 years, hosting a space for Chinese auctions, crafts and cookies.

“It’s nice to get together for a non-emergency event,” Rensel said.

A petting zoo featuring Dancer the reindeer was also hosted outside Santa’s House for children. Michael Morton of Sun-Dance-Kids Farm let visitors feed goats and browse chickens, rabbits and a turkey.

“It’s actually very simple,” Morton said to local children as he described how reindeer fly by harnessing hot air in their fur and using the aerodynamics of their hooves and antlers. “Everyone thinks it’s magic.”

He called Dancer a “good boy” as he let curious children pet the reindeer’s head before they went into Santa’s House. Dozens of children lined up for their chance to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wishes. Rotary also handed out books donated through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“It was pretty exciting,” Zachary Graves said after meeting with Santa. “I wasn’t shy this time.”

The weather cooperated nicely, allowing for some small flurries during the parade. The American Legion Color Guard, Girl Scouts, First Baptist Church of Falconer and other civic groups marched throughout Main Street.

“It’s interesting — first time I’ve ever seen one,” said Larry Moore, Falconer resident, who has never seen the Santa Parade in action before.

The Falconer Business Association used to run the Santa Parade, and Falconer Rotary picked it up after the association closed. Another new addition to the parade was horse rider Roger Doorman and his 14-year-old steed Bodie.

“(The parade) gives the kids something to look forward to,” Rensel said.

Sponsorship dollars will go toward improving Santa’s House in the future and possibly making it handicap accessible. Sponsors include Falconer Funeral Home, Fancher Chair Company, Tasta Pizza, Southern Tier Family Dentistry, Dependable Auto Transport, LandPro Equipment and Casella Waste Services, Inc.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today