The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Santa’s greetings
CANASTOTA — A light dusting of snow blanketed the ground creating a festive holiday atmosphere as more than 200 local revelers rang in the start of the holiday season in Canastota Saturday night.
Sponsored by the Canastota Chamber of Commerce, the evening began with the sounds of familiar carols played by the Canastota Community Band.
“It is a nice tradition that gives us all a time out from everything that makes Christmas so hectic. It
is fun to just enjoy the music and connect with friends,” Maria Coppinelli of Canastota said.
Mayor Carla DeShaw selected two children from the crowd to assist her in lighting the official village Christmas tree on the corner of Canal and Peterboro streets. This was DeShaw’s first official tree- lighting ceremony since being elected to the position earlier this year.
With temperatures finally feeling a bit more seasonal, children stood in line bundled up with coats, scarves, mittens and hats and enjoyed hot cocoa while waiting for the star of the event – Santa Claus to arrive.
Four- year old Laila Cooper was excited to see Santa. She had not composed her letter to the jolly old man yet, but was hopeful to get something with Spongebob on it.
Mackenzie Stevens, along with Gretchen and Olena Conrad, stayed warm by jumping up and down and singing “Jingle Bells.” All were hoping for a Build-A- Bear.
“I brought my letter and even a coupon for Santa,” Mackenzie said.
As everyone began getting into the spirit of the season with songs and merriment, a ladder truck from the Canastota Fire Department safely transported Santa to the Key Bank, which opened its doors to the public for the event.
One- by- one, children took their turns relaying their request to Santa. Tops on this year’s lists of most popular requests were the Furby, Master Moves Mickey, and WWE Brawlin Buddies. Dolls and trucks, as always, were were still popular on many lists.