Santa Parades Around Fanwood, Delivers Gifts To 440+ Homes

FANWOOD, NJ — Escorted by the Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Police Department, Santa Claus made his way around Fanwood on Saturday and delivered lots of presents to kids who were "nice" this year.

This is a decades-old tradition in Fanwood, and this year's event delivered gifts to more than 440 homes — an increase of almost 100 over last year.

For that reason, Santa and his crew started their trek earlier and his route was changed to accommodate the additional stops.

The event is run by the volunteers of the Fire Department and their families. They collect gifts from parents who would like them delivered, organize them into a route, then pack them into huge boxes to be carried on the fire rig and ambulance.

Santa is assisted along the route by elves who include family members of firefighters. The Rescue Squad and police accompany the fire truck, heralding Santa’s arrival with the appropriate lights and sirens.

Mayor Colleen Mahr stopped by the firehouse before the caravan embarked to thank all the volunteers.

You can view photos from the event, courtesy of Tom Kranz, above.