FIRED UP FOR CHRISTMAS
Santa arrives at mall in truck
Santa’s travel plans changed when snowy skies grounded his helicopter Sunday, but a fire truck still got the red-suited man to Devonshire Mall on time. Accompanied by Mrs. Claus, a crew of firefighters, and Windsor Fire and Rescue mascot Sparky, Santa hopped off the truck ringing bells and waving to thousands gathered to greet him at 11 a.m. “These two are what makes it all matter,” said Barb Blais, gesturing to her two grandsons. Blais waited with them for over an hour, standing guard at a perfect spot in the mall’s parking lot to watch Santa drive up.
The annual event kicks off Santa’s presence at the indoor holiday castle the mall presents each year, where families line up to take photos of their kids on the jolly man’s knee. When weather permits it, his helicopter drops him off in the mall’s parking lot, creating an even greater spectacle for the surrounding children.
A marching band played Christmas music for the crowd before Santa came. Children and their guardians crowded against the fencing in three directions. Many jumped up and down impatiently before getting the chance to meet Santa as he walked down the line. Those further away sat on parents’ shoulders to get a better view. “We were really looking forward to the helicopter, but he really likes fire trucks, so that was still nice,” said Ashley Piccioni, 28, whose three-year-old son Avery clutched the gate railing tightly in his mitten-clad fists. He had just told Santa he wanted a rocket ship for Christmas, he said, as he continued to watch other children along the gate say hello to him. Piccioni said she thought about bringing Avery to see Santa’s flight land last year, but she decided he was too young.
“This year he’s more into the Christmas spirit,” said Piccioni, holding her 10-month old daughter, Aleah, who didn’t seem to mind the commotion.
Eager to find warmth, each group of children along the gate dissipated with big smiles on their faces as soon as Santa had passed by.