Santa arrives in a Chariot of Fire
Photos by MANDI BATEMAN Frosty the Snowman greets excited children at the Bonners Ferry City Fire Department.
The Chariots of Fire parade featured beautifully decorated firetrucks and ambulance.
The children received candy canes from Mrs. Claus after sitting on Santa’s lap.
The combination of Christmas lights and emergency lights made for a bright and colorful parade, and they took Santa from fire station to fire station.
At every fire station, Santa stopped to visit with the children.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Brilliantly lit up fire truck during the Chariots of Fire event on December 9.
Two firetrucks and an ambulance arriving at the City Fire department during the Chariots of Fire parade.
BONNERS FERRY — Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in style on Dec. 9, as they traveled from the Naples Holiday Festival to visit the surrounding fire stations and the children awaiting them.
Santa’s Chariots of Fire Ride was put on by Bonners Ferry Fire Department, Boundary Ambulance, North Bench Fire District, Paradise Valley Fire District, and South Boundary Fire Protection District.
The crews decked out their vehicles in holiday glory, combining layers of Christmas lights with their emergency lights, as they paraded through the county, bring Santa to his delighted fans.
One such fan waited at the City Fire Department, arriving early with her uncle, Jacob Garrison, was Amelia Martin, 8, who had missed Santa at Naples.
“So we missed him at Naples and there was waterworks — there were tears,” said Garrison. “She knows that if she wants to get a gift from Santa, she needs to talk to Santa.”
Amelia knew just what she wanted, and it was very important for her to tell him.
“Last year we missed it and I didn’t get anything Christmas morning,“ explained Amelia, meaning that she didn’t receive her Santa present, not that she hadn’t gotten other presents.
When Santa arrived, Amelia was ecstatic to be able to ask for her Little Life Pet … “a kitty” to be specific.
Hot cocoa was provided at the stations, to warm small hands, and add to the smiles.
As for Santa and Mrs. Claus being able to travel in the Chariots of Fire, Santa said, “It was very cool to ride in the firetruck. It was very exciting with all the lights and all the things going on.”
“It’s very different than riding in the sleigh with Rudolph and the reindeer,” added Mrs. Claus.
After their last stop at North Bench Fire, Santa and Mrs. Claus said their goodbye and headed back to the North Pole.