Children cheered and waved as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived in Pacific Palisades on Friday evening.
The smiling couple from the North Pole received a ride on a fire truck from Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69 to North Swarthmore for the 64th annual Holiday Ho! Ho! Ho! festival. As the truck came down Sunset, the Christmas lights were turned on at the Village Green.
LAFD apparatus operator Gary Maga has been Santa’s driver the last four years.“We look forward to this every year,” he said.
At North Swarthmore, kids waited in line to tell Santa what presents they want this year. Owen, 6, said he wants a BB gun. His mother, Palisadian Ann Camarcho, was not thrilled with that idea, but she enjoyed having the opportunity for her children to play in a safe place.
“My son’s been talking about it for days. They’re really excited,” she said. “I can let them run around and get all their energy out.”
Palisadian Jason Friedberg said he feels fortunate to live in a neighborhood where everyone can come together for a family-friendly event. His son, 10-year-old Desi, said his favorite part was climbing on the fire truck. “I like all the things you can do here,” he said.
Areas were also set up for children to show off their creativity. Scarlett’s Cupcakes had a section for families to decorate cookies with frosting.
At the event, Honorary Mayor Jake Steinfeld announced the five judges who will choose the winning design for a Pacific Palisades flag, which will be displayed at the fire station, Village Green and other locations in the Palisades.
Joyce Brunell, Bill Bruns, Rich Cronin, Carol Pfannkuche and Rich Schmitt make up the judging panel. Steinfeld, who will give $1,000 to the winner, said he created the contest to bring everyone together. Submissions should be made to MayorJake.com by Jan. 21. The winner will be announced in 2014.
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