Ho Ho Run rides again this Christmas Eve

Families in Gold Bar can make sure they get a moment with Santa when he stops by their house this year. No staying up late or hiding to sneak a peek.

Fire District 26 personnel will accompany Old Saint Nick to each home; don’t expect the guests to enter through the chimney though. Resident firefighter Anthony Casanas has taken over organization of the annual Ho Ho Run this year.

“It’s one of the coolest things I have ever done, actually,” he said.

The Redmond native grew up with Santa touring the town, but not making specific stops at residences. He said, as a kid, “I would have just been tickled” to have Mr. Claus personally hand over his gifts. Aside from the trips, Fire District 26 is sponsoring four families this holiday season, Casanas said. Presents will be provided for two, and a dinner for the each of the others. The agency contacted the Sultan School District and asked for suggestions from the population of students who qualify for free and reduced lunches, he said.

Casanas said he couldn’t think of a more personal contribution than arriving at a residence with such treats in tow or providing them out of your own pocket. He said normally firefighters aren’t usually arriving at homes under the best circumstances. This event gives them the chance to meet families on a good day.

“It’s all happening on Christmas Eve,” he said. “We start the engines rolling at about 5 p.m., and we will end once we hit every house we have on our list.”

So far the team will make more than a dozen stops. Firefighters visited 23 homes last year. Casanas said there is no limit to how many addresses can be included on the route. If a call comes in, they will have to take it before finishing up the ride.

Families that wish to have Santa Claus stop by their homes on Christmas Eve should contact the department. They will need to provide their address, and the names and ages of their kids. For Santa to present gifts during the visit, the packages must be left hidden outside the home where firefighters can find it.

As the fire engine pulls up to the house, firefighters retrieve the present and pass it to Old Saint Nick, who then knocks on the door and gives it to the child.

“It’s one of those things you have to be there to truly feel,” Casanas said.

To get on Santa’s list, call Fire District 26 at 360-793-1078 or email acasanas@snofire26.org.