Annual Santa ride atop fire engine set for December
Traditional ride unaffected by tough 2020
MURPHY (November 17, 2020) In the face of all the disappointments that we’ve endured during 2020, there is one cherished tradition that will not be affected - Santa Claus’ ride throughout the City atop a Murphy Fire Engine.
“We want to make sure all the boys and girls on Santa’s list are visited, so we’re happy to take him around town,” says Fire Chief Del Albright. “As in previous years, we’ll take Santa all around Murphy, making sure that he is familiar with all of our streets.”
Starting on Monday, Dec. 7 and continuing for about 15 days, Santa will ride atop a Murphy fire engine with lights ablaze, and the bell ringing. An occasional blast from the siren will be sounded to announce the arrival. The rides will cover every street in Murphy except short cul-de-sacs. Departure from the Fire Station will occur promptly at 6:30 p.m. each evening, continuing until 8:30 p.m.
“Santa will ride with us every evening, except Sundays. He’ll be securely strapped to the engine, so he won’t be able to disembark and interact with anyone. In fact, to complete the entire City within the 15 days, the engine will not be able to stop for any length of time,” said the Chief.
Each neighborhood and subdivision will be included in the schedule. However, should there be rain or a real-life emergency, the schedule for a neighborhood or subdivision may be altered. Residents are asked to take the appropriate precautions regarding the pandemic, by remaining with members of the same household, social distancing, and if necessary, wearing face coverings.
An interactive map, with live tracking, will be posted on http://www.murphytx.org/480/Santas-Ride.
While Santa has traditionally invited some of his Murphy friends to join him on the ride and toss candy, this year he has decided not to as a way to keep everyone safe. He’s hoping to revive that tradition next year, but this year there will be no candy tossed. Even so, officials ask that parents accompany small children and keep an eye on them as Santa makes his way through the neighborhood.
“We are very happy to take the special visitor around the City, and we’ll make sure to point out all of the neighborhoods, subdivisions and areas within the City. That way, he and his reindeer do not miss any streets on Christmas Eve,” concluded the Chief.