The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Parade of trucks
Munnsville lights up season
MUNNSVILLE — Munnsville kicked off the holiday season Saturday with a Christmas tree lighting and parade; kids even had the chance to see Santa Claus and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
The festivities started with a fire truck parade through town. Trucks left the Farris parking lot decked out in Christmas lights and playing Christmas music. This year, trucks from the Sherrill- Kenwood, Vernon Center and Georgetown departments joined the Munnsville truck as it brought Santa down to the tree on Park Street.
“I saw the fire trucks going to down the street and decided to bring Tristen down to meet Santa,” said Elizabeth Hatch. Tristen, 2, seemed excited to meet Santa despite how shy he was. This was the first year Hatch had brought Tristen down to meet Santa.
“I don’t know what I want,” said Sierra Wilson, 6, of Westmoreland. Sierra’s father, Art Wilson, said it was their first year at the lighting too, and Sierra was excited to meet Santa.
Mayor Richard Snyder spoke to the
crowd as they enjoyed donuts and hot cocoa provided by the Munnsville Fire Department.
“Munnsville is a small community, but it’s a great community to live in because everyone cares about each other,” Snyder said.
Snyder and Santa worked together to light the tree. Afterward, people voted on the best decorated fire truck. Vernon Center won the contest.
After the vote and some caroling, everyone was invited back to the firehouse and the kids had their chance to talk to Santa. He passed out gift bags as the fire department screened “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” behind him.
“Every year we get more people and more fire departments participating,” said Snyder. “A lot of people coming home from Thanksgiving can join us here for a little home coming.”