As the holiday season approaches and the end of the year comes to a close, we reminisce on the past and those that we miss that are dear to our hearts, whether deceased or our troops overseas. We long to have our families together for the holidays and everyone knows the impact that Santa makes during the holiday season. And though I may have only been a resident of Streetsboro a couple of years now, even I know the impact of Santa riding in town on a fire truck would make during the holiday season.
This year's holiday season began officially in the city of Streetsboro with the arrival of Santa on a city fire truck to light the square at Route 14 and Route 43 on Thursday night, December 4th. Though this year's Santa chooses to remain nameless, his heart and love for being Santa is quite commendable.
City residents enjoyed an evening of caroling and picture taking with Santa at the Streetsboro High School Thursday night. Included in the entertainment was the musical endeavors of the Streetsboro Middle School Jazz Band, the Streetsboro High School Band, and several other smaller groups wanting to join in the holiday spirit and show off their musical prowess.
As the audience listened in and sang with the groups, the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts of Streetsboro helped city workers maintain a sense of order amongst the festivities which also included free drinks and cookies and free photos with Santa for those that braved the cold to come and ring in the new holiday season. This year's attendance total was unexpected by everyone, but to see the interest grow more than double from last year, was a welcomed surprise by all.
As the scouts and some high school students passed out free bags of 'goodies' and candy canes to the youngsters wanting an opportunity to get a picture with 'Santa,' I stood watching the children, young and old alike, wanting a chance to sit on Santa's lap. With a twinkle in his eye, this year's 'Santa' took the time to personally talk to each and every child, including allowing them to tug at his beard to see if it was real (and it is).
Even Santa, with the help of the Assistant CubMaster of Pack #3280 (yes me), managed to get Streetsboro's Mayor Tom Wagner and his wife to join in with a traditional photograph with Santa. From the smiles and laughter in everyone's faces, it was clear to me that though those we love and miss may be gone, like our good friend and 'Santa' Leslie Reynolds or our troops overseas, the holiday season still brings happiness and hope to the hearts and minds of us all. Happy Holidays to everyone and thank you to the 'Santa' that put a sparkle back in the hearts of each of us Thursday night.
Article written by Nicole E. Meyers (Hendrich)
Photograph taken by Nicole E. Meyers (Hendrich)