Santa’s coming to North Side

There’s snow on the ground, cheer in the air, and, off in the distance, the ho-ho-ho of Santa as he makes his annual visit to the North Side.

The holiday event, presented by various fire stations in Fire District 9, is a “great way to spread holiday cheer,” said Christine Hamp, District 9 office manager. “Number one, it’s fun, and number two, it’s a chance to interact in a different way with our citizens, not so much in an emergency way but in a neighbor-to-neighbor way.”

Santa will be both giving and receiving: bringing gifts and candy for kids, and accepting nonperishable items for the food bank. He will be traveling on either a float or a fire truck, depending on which station is giving him a lift. But if the fire truck is summoned to an emergency, Santa may have to make a quick exit.

“Santa’s gear is on the truck, and Santa will be doing a clothes change,” Hamp said.

Today

Santa is in town from 6 to 9 p.m. He will visit the Forest Glenn and Farwell Road areas. Area includes neighborhoods surrounding Farwell Elementary, Northwood Middle School, and Forest Glenn development. Streets included are: Farwell, Crestline, Center, Pittsburg, Hamilton, Dakota, Metler, Brierwood, Guinevere, Morton, Nevada Court, Harding, Brierwood Drive, Denver Drive, Chantel, Mead, Perry and Helena Court.

Saturday

Santa is out from 5 to 9 p.m. He will visit the Mead area. Areas include south of Center, east of Cherry, north of Grace and west of Market. Streets included are: Center, Sheridan, Appleyard Court, Buckley Court, Oak, Carlson, Kasha Court, Cherry Lane, Farwell, Wilson, Sheridan, Meadowlark St., Freya, Hastings, Third, Chatham, Second Court, First, Main Street, Guy, Florence and Grace Street, and all sections of Mead Royale MHP.

Dec. 14

Morgan Acres east of Freya, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Santa and his helpers will accept nonperishable food and toy donations for the local food bank.

Dec. 15

Santa visits the Nine Mile area from Charles to Hedin, then to Tormey and in between, beginning at 6 p.m.

Santa visits the Nine Mile area from Station 97 to Inch, down Charles to Highland, back to Katie and Maybob, to Birdie, to Bluegrass, to the end of Westshore, back past Station 97, down Charles to Southbank and Waterview.

Santa visits Morgan Acres west of Market, beginning at 6:15. Santa and his helpers will accept nonperishable food and toy donations.

Dec. 16

Santa visits the Linwood area from Division to Wall, areas south of Holy Cross Cemetery from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Santa visits Nine Mile near Kendig, Dogwood, Ellenwood, etc., beginning at 5 p.m.

Santa visits the Foothills Area: Scribner at Forker at 6:15 p.m.; Foothills, 6:30; Temple, 6:45; Lincoln, 7; Judkins, 7:15; and finishing with an open house from 7:30 to 8 at Station 96.

Dec. 17

Santa visits Linwood from Wall to Country Homes from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 18

Santa visits Five Mile Prairie from 5 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 19

Santa visits Forest Hills from Hawthorne and Wall to Country Homes.