Santa again trading in sleigh for fire engine in Gold Bar

The Gold Bar Firefighters Association is making its list and checking it twice, so to speak, as it seeks families interested in participating in this year’s Ho Ho Run.

The Gold Bar Firefighters Association is an independent entity comprised of firefighters and community members from Snohomish County Fire District 26. The association focuses on community outreach and giving back, raising money to support its efforts through pancake breakfasts and other fundraising.

The Ho Ho Run, which takes place every Christmas Eve, is its signature event. In addition to bringing cheer to a District 26 family in need, the association coordinates with 40-50 Gold Bar-area families to arrange a personal visit from Santa Claus, who arrives on a fire truck.

The visits from Santa are coordinated ahead of time by firefighter Brian Kendall, who works with families on event logistics.

Each family arranges to stash a special gift somewhere on their property, letting Kendall know exactly where the gift will be. Fire engines set out at around 5 p.m. Dec. 24, visiting each home in a flurry of bright lights and Christmas cheer. Once they arrive, firefighters quickly grab the gift from the prearranged location, escorting Santa Claus to the front door to present the gift to the child.

Gold Bar residency is the only requirement to participate in the Ho Ho Run. All a family needs to do is give the department a call, so firefighters know where their child’s gift will be located.

The excitement of having a fire truck pull up with its flashing lights is undeniable, but when Santa Claus arrives at a family’s front door, it is truly a memorable experience for kids and parents alike.

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.