Gold Bar firefighters ready for another Ho Ho Run

Around this time every year, kids across the Sky Valley get the opportunity to climb up on Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. But in Gold Bar, firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District No. 26 have taken things a few steps further.

Each year on Christmas Eve, Gold Bar firefighters drive around the city with Santa Claus, delivering Christmas presents to kids. The Ho Ho Run has been going on for about seven years. Parents who wish to participate in the Ho Ho Run are instructed to hide one of their child's gifts outside their home. When firefighters arrive in the fire truck, they retrieve the gift and pass it to Santa, who knocks on the door and gives it to the child.

Parents should plan to stash the gifts in a safe place that is easily accessible to firefighters, who hope to deliver up to 50 gifts during this year's event. All families need to do to participate is give the department a call, so firefighters know where their child's gift will be located.

Gold Bar residency is the only requirement to participate in the Ho Ho Run.

Last year, Bridgett Edgar's 2-year-old granddaughter, Natalie Carpenter, got her first bicycle straight from Father Christmas himself. The young girl was all smiles when she received her bike, hand-delivered by Santa and Gold Bar firefighters Andy Lauer and Noah Redfield.

Carpenter still talks about her visit from Santa, and is practicing good behavior in hopes that he'll return again this year. She plugs in her Christmas lights every night before going to bed, so that Santa will be able to see that she goes to bed on time, Edgar said.

"It really made an impression,GÇ¥ she said. -á -á -á

The Ho Ho Run is coordinated by firefighter Brian Kendall. For more information on how to arrange for your child to receive a Christmas gift delivered by Santa Claus, contact Kendall at 360-793-1078 or email bkendall@snofire26.org.