Santa Comes to Town Amid a Backdrop of 50,000 Twinkling Lights
December 2, 2016
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Snoopy and Woodstock were not getting very excited for Santa’s arrival in the Hudson ladder truck.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Kadance Peach and her mom, Kayla, are decorating pins for the Christmas tree.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Brielle Ouellette sits very still as she gets her face painted.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Coloring an ornament is Brittany Hoey.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Matty Debris and Dad take a Kodak moment with Santa.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Santa has allowed Firefighter Kevin Blinn to drive him to Library Park for 22 years. Looks like Santa and his chauffeur have shared a few meals together also.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Maxwell Ingram was the perfect size for Santa’s knee as the fun begins at the White Birch Hall. Everyone who sits on Santa’s knee got a picture with Santa to take home from the Hudson Lions Club.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Chris and Jacob Louh pose with Santa and, not be left out, Mom and Dad.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Chauffeur/Firefighter Kevin Blinn counts down as Santa throws the switch to bring the lights alive at Library Park.
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- Staff photo by Len Lathrop Santa wishes all a ‘Merry Christmas’ as he meanders to the gazebo.
by Len Lathrop
When you start to tell a story the first question asked is how long has Santa been coming to Library Park and lighting the holiday lights? The answer is 22 years. Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has always been the day. The Hudson Highway Department does the decorating and, of course, the wooden soldiers from Benson Park are there every year standing guard. How many lights does it take to accomplish the feat? This year the total is more than 50,000, according to Hudson Road Agent Kevin Burns.
This year the fire department’s ladder truck brought Santa to the Library Park. Santa meandered, wishing all a ‘Merry Christmas’ and hauling the little ones into his arms, so Mom and Dad could get a picture, to the gazebo where the master switch is located. With a countdown lead by Firefighter and Santa chauffeur Kevin Blinn and one swoop of Santa’s white-gloved hand, the lights are on and the park is a glow of multi-colored lights.
Santa was heard exclaiming as he pulled out of sight, “Follow me to the White Birch Catering facility where there will be fun for all, no matter how big or small.”
As Santa got to the White Birch, the Hudson Lions Club had organized different stations that provided a craft-making activity as well as face painting for everyone small enough to sit on Santa’s lap, a custom-printed portrait with the jolly fellow and, of course, there were light refreshments. Offering assistance were volunteers from the Alvirne High School Key Club, Campbell High School Key Club, Memorial School Art Club, Hudson Lions Club, Alvirne High School’s “Little Broncos” Day Care Program, Girl Scout Troops 10224 and 12075, and the Hudson VFW Auxiliary.
Waiting in line outside the door did not seem to dampen anyone’s excitement to see Santa. The community groups involved did a great job, and everyone should tip their hats to the Bouleys of White Birch for offing their facility for Santa to enjoy the Hudson children before heading back to the North Pole.
