Seasonal & Holidays
Rediscover Chatham Emergency Squad’s Snow Village This Season
With more than 100 miniature homes and other treasures, the "Winter Wonderland" is back for all ages to enjoy.
CHATHAM, NJ — A tradition that comes each year but was sidelined because of COVID, has returned to Chatham.
The Chatham Emergency Squad’s 17th annual Winter Wonderland Snow Village is a volunteer-created display that is free to view, with more than 100 Department 56 model houses, cars, figurines and even a working ski lift, Evan Skinner, a representative of the volunteer Emergency Squad told Patch.
There are hidden treasures each person who stops to the squad’s building on 31 North Passaic Avenue in Chatham Borough can discover, as they check it out.
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Five volunteers worked tirelessly to set it up, with thousands of details, from a model train to an ice rink, nestled within the display.
“We’re excited to continue this annual holiday tradition which has helped spread holiday cheer to, quite literally, a generation of Chatham residents,” said Bryan McGookin, one of the Squad’s active members, who has maintained the collection.
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It is on loan from Mark Spinner, a retired member of the Squad, who has since relocated.
“Much like the arrival of Santa himself, the Chatham Emergency Squad ‘Snow Village’ has become a fixture of our community, signaling the arrival of the holiday season throughout Chatham,” McGookin also said.
How can you check out the Winter Wonderland Snow Village?
It can be viewed each Saturday, except Christmas Day, as well as Sundays, 12 to 3 p.m., at the Squad Building.
There are other times to see it, from 3 to 6 p.m., on Dec. 16, 24 and 27.
Check out the full schedule and make special tour requests, through the Squad’s website, at www.chathamemergencysquad.org.
While the Snow Village is free to view, donations are gratefully accepted at the Squad Building, with a container for cash and a QR code, for attendees who would like to donate.
The Emergency Squad is fully volunteer, having run over 1,100 calls in 2021 so far and never charges for its services. They also provide free CPR training to teachers, coaches and emergency personnel. To learn more, also visit www.chathamemergencysquad.org.
Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.
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