Merry Christmas everyone!!!! We just received word that "Santa Claus" has put the Union Bridge area on his list of early visits for the 2020 "Santa Watch"!

Though things are going to be a little different this year due to the pandemic, Santa will be in the area December 14th, 15th and 16th. Just like last year, he has asked us to provide a ride for him using our fire engines so that his reindeer can be fully rested for their big night on Christmas Eve.

Since we have to make sure that we help Santa provide the safest way possible to make sure all the boys and girls get their chance to see him and get the same tasty snacks he provides every year, we have to change the way we are handing out the treats. We are asking everyone to keep a safe distance away from us; and to accomplish this great task, we are going to be calling out from the vehicles to those that come to their door - "How many children are there?", when we arrive at your residence. Then, Santa's helpers, who will be wearing face masks and medical grade gloves, will provide snack bags for each child by setting the snack bag just off of the road or street for you to pick-up after we have moved away.

These carefully pre-packaged bags will include an orange and a candy cane as we have done in the past. Though each orange will be washed before packaging, we recommend that you wash them once again before letting your children have them.

We certainly do wish that things could be done differently, but we feel this is the safest way to continue this annual tradition and hope that this isn't too much of an inconvenience. We strive to keep our community safe while still providing a little bit of excitement for the kids during this holiday season.

Now for the schedule and routes that Santa will be travelling along with a small parade of fire equipment. All times for the scheduled routes begin at 6 PM and end at 8 PM.

Please open your front doors, turn on your porch lights and keep a sharp eye and ear out for Santa's arrival in your area.

Monday, December 14 - Town of Union Bridge

Tuesday, December 15 - Bucher John Rd., FSK Hwy (Keymar), Middleburg Rd., Rampart Way, Star Ct, Banner Ave.

Wednesday, December 16 - Bark Hill Rd., Hoff Rd., Stem Rd., Mckinstry's Mill Rd, Marble Quarry Rd.

The rain date for any of the above dates will be on Thursday, December 17th.