COVID Concerns Mean Last-Minute Changes To Kids Holiday Event

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — With coronavirus numbers rising at a concerning rate, Santa is once again adding "abundance of caution" to his list before checking it twice.

The annual Children's Holiday Party on Sunday at the Golden's Bridge Firehouse has been changed to a curbside event, the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department announced today. But you better not cry, you better not pout — children won’t be disappointed because Santa Claus is still coming to town.

St. Nick will be curbside at the firehouse (Rt. 138, Golden’s Bridge) for the entire time, greeting youngsters in their vehicles and distributing bags filled with treats, candy, crafts and other fun items. Every child will also be provided with a free raffle ticket for the chance to win prizes sent directly from the North Pole.

“It was a decision we were hoping to avoid, but with COVID numbers spiking, out of an abundance of caution – for the safety, health and well-being of community residents and firefighters — repivoting from inside to curbside is the sensible thing to do,” Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo said. "These are the challenges we have been facing for nearly two years, striking a balance between maintaining our community traditions and keeping our firefighters safe and healthy to respond to all emergencies of residents and businesses."

Steve Mines, a firefighter and Vice President of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department who serves as Chairman of the annual Children’s Holiday Party, said Santa’s presence at the curbside event will still put smiles on the faces of youngsters and spread holiday cheer in the community. “Children will be very happy when they open their goodie bags from Santa,” he added.

The pandemic-altered GBFD annual Children's Holiday Party will take place Dec. 19, from 1-3 p.m. Hopefully, if we can all stay off the naughty list, the tradition can once again be held indoors next season.