Santa Claus is still coming to town on Christmas Eve, but severe winter weather means he won’t be able to do his annual fire truck tours of local communities early in the evening.
Alpha Fire Company in State College, Bellefonte Fire Department and the Philipsburg Fire Department have canceled their Santa runs scheduled for Saturday because of forecasted extreme cold and high winds.
Centre County is under a wind chill warning until 7 p.m. on Saturday, with wind chills as low as -35 degrees and gusts as high as 55 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Reliance Fire and Hope fire companies, which comprise the Philipsburg Fire Department, wrote on Facebook that the decision to cancel was made out of concern for the safety of children who would be out watching for Santa. The very low temperatures could also be harmful to fire trucks out on an extended run and cause them “to freeze up, rendering them nearly useless if a fire would occur.” And wind gusts will increase the likelihood of emergency calls for downed trees and power lines.
Bellefonte Fire Department, which is made up of Logan and Undine fire companies, also wrote that the decision is in the interest of the safety of its members, the community and Santa himself.
“With the impending weather and sharp drop in temperatures, we urge everyone to stay home this Saturday and stay safe & warm,” the department wrote on Facebook. “We look forward to escorting our jolly friend next Christmas in 2023!”
Alpha Fire Company noted that Santa requested that the runs be canceled.
“I spoke with the Alphas this evening and made the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of Happy Valley if we cancel this year’s Santa Run,” Santa wrote in a message posted on the Alpha Facebook page. “I will miss seeing your smiling faces as you gathered on your porches and street corners and watching the Alphas hand out treats to children and pups alike.”
Alpha officials shared Santa’s concerns.
“After all, how can you argue with Santa?” the company wrote. “The Santa run is the highlight of the year for us and we love bringing Santa through the neighborhoods of the communities we serve but this weather puts undue risk on our crews and to the gatherings of family and friends waiting alongside our routes to see Santa.”
Santa will, however, be protected from the weather in his sleigh as he visits homes here and around the world on Saturday night.
“Please know that while I won’t be riding the truck on Christmas Eve, I will be coming by later that night in my sleigh,” he wrote. “…While the weather has forced me to change my plans, I want all of you to know that the things that really matter never, ever change — faith, hope, generosity, kindness, and love — for they are the magic behind the Spirit of Christmas and I hope we all try just a little bit harder to keep that spirit burning brighter through the whole year.
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!”
