Santa and Mrs. Claus bring Christmas cheer to Hickson gathering

Santa and Mrs. Claus were joined by “Peanut,” a four-year-old Dalmatian fire dog, as children gathered to share their Christmas wishes during Hickson’s holiday celebration. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Hickson’s firefighters, township staff and local families bundled up against the cold last week to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus for a festive evening beside the East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) municipal building.

The event drew a large crowd from the village and surrounding farm community, all eager to celebrate the season together.

Flashing lights from fire trucks and police vehicles lit up the parking lot, joined by a brightly decorated John Deere sprayer and a festively trimmed road grader. Despite the chilly weather, a steady stream of children lined up to sit on Santa’s knee, share their Christmas wishes and receive a treat from Mrs. Claus.

Neighbouring families chatted over free hot dogs and hot chocolate, served up as part of EZT’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Mayor Phil Schaefer and a team of helpers once again took charge of the grill, handing out all-beef hot dogs to anyone who stopped by to warm up and say hello.

The gathering offered a cheerful kickoff to the Christmas season in Hickson, with firefighters, township staff and residents all contributing to the festive spirit.