Santa and several sidekicks will make the long trip from the North Pole to tour three local communities Dec. 4.
The Santa Neighborhood Parade will feature fire trucks carrying the big guy in his red suit, along with a DJ playing music and elves tossing candy.
The event, from 3 to 5 p.m., is a collaboration between Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum.
It’s the second consecutive year the communities have joined together to present the festivities.
“In Brackenridge, the fire trucks with Santa drive down as many streets as possible,” co-coordinator Cindy Kish said. “Some people may not be able to attend the Christmas parade, so this event brings some holiday cheer to them by their home.”
Participating fire departments include Pioneer Hose out of Brakenridge; Highland Hose, Summit Hose and Eureka Hose, all out of Tarentum; and Harrison’s Hilltop Hose, Citizens Hose and Harrison Hills.
Carrie Fox, Tarentum recreation committee president, said it takes a slew of volunteers to make the formidable parade happen.
“We, here in Tarentum, have three Santas in the three wards with three different routes,” Fox said. “They greet the children and their families.”
Santa’s helpers toss treats to the crowds and engage onlookers to laugh, sing and dance, she said.
“We want everyone to come out of their houses for a few minutes and spread the holiday spirit,” Fox said.
The tradition began last year because the pandemic forced the annual holiday parades to be canceled.
People seemed to love it, Fox said, and the kids waited for Santa’s arrival with wide eyes.
Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard said the simultaneous parades make a statement about the three municipalities working together.
“We all start on the same day, same time and spend a couple of hours traveling the streets of each of our towns,” Dizard said. “This is all about spreading holiday cheer and joy. You can enjoy it from the comfort of your home or come out to the street to see Santa up close.”
For more on the parade routes, visit brackenridgeboro.com, harrisontwp.com and tarentumboro.com.
