Patricia Davignon poses for a picture with Santa Claus at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Acushnet Fire Department welcomed the public to share the public lighting of the Fire Department grounds, at Parting Ways, 24 Russell Street, on 12/5/21. Last year the public event was canceled due to COVID restrictions, although the lights were still lit.
This year, a couple of hundred children and their adults joined in the fun as the Ford Middle School let the crowd singing Christmas Carols. Santa arrived on a fire truck and posed with pictures, although outside only this year due to COVID precautions. Hot chocolate (with marshmallows and/or whipped cream) and cookies were also served up by the Acushnet firefighters. And coloring books were handed out to the children.
Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Arruda emceed, thanking the Ford Middle School Chorus and the crowd. He said it was a little different this year and hopefully next year will go back to normal, with inside sit-downs with Santa.
Santa waves to the crowd, and some wave back, as he arrives to the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
Mr. Arruda thanked the community for showing up in force. He said that community support “inspires us to do everything we do for the Christmas.”
Music/Band instructor Brian Shanbrun led the students, but made sure the crowd knew the drill (from the movie, “Elf,” of course): “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Mr. Arruda then told the crowd to “sing as loud as you can. Let the neighbors know we’re here and they can come out and join us.”
After a few songs, Santa arrived on the fire truck. Children and their adults took pictures with the Big Guy outside.
The Ford Middle School Chorus leads the crowd singing Christmas Carols as they wait for Santa to arrive at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
Children pose with Santa Claus at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
This little one is all smiles posing with Santa Claus at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
Children pose with Santa Claus at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David.
This group is all smiles as they pose with Santa Claus at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David
This group is all smiles as they wait for Santa to make his appearance at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David
This group is all smiles as they wait for Santa to make his appearance at the annual lighting of the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station on 12/5/21. Photo by Beth David
This snowman greets visitors to the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station at Parting Wayis, 24 Russell Street, on 12/5/321. Photo by Beth David.
This snowman greets visitors, with his trademark warning to be quiet, on the grounds of the Acushnet Fire Station at Parting Ways, 24 Russell Street, on 12/5/321. Photo by Beth David.
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