It was a fun-filled Saturday evening of music, games, horse sleigh rides and other holiday cheer at Canal Park in North Utica. And Santa Clause was excited to be able to come down from the North Pole to be a part of the new tradition.
“It’s very exciting,” Santa said. “We’re outside, so it’s safe. It means a lot to the community. Stuff the Bus, which is one of the reasons why we’re here supporting. It’s a real important thing, we help a lot of children out at Christmas time.”
What You Need To Know
- A new holiday tradition came to Utica, Christmas at Canal Park
- To kick off the holiday season various holiday vendors were in attendance, a live performance from an American Idol contestant and horse sleigh rides
- It was a night filled with fun, food, music, a tree lighting and visits with Santa Clause
The event also helped to support Stuff the Bus.
“This is where we ask people to bring toys to help me out with my load, because sometimes we get behind,” Santa said. “We want to make sure Santa has enough presents for everybody.”
Stuff the Bus is an annual toy drive that was created to help less fortunate children in the Mohawk Valley have a happy holiday season, despite their circumstances.
“The community has been great, they come through for me,” Santa said.
In the past 10 years, over 100,000 toys have been collected.
Santa says he is happy to be able to see kids in person this year so they can tell him their Christmas wishes.
“Little guys, they don’t understand pandemic, but they do understand Santa,” Santa said. “I’ve gotten a few hugs this year and it makes you feel good.”
Kids were also able to write letters to Santa and drop them off in his mailbox to get sent to the North Pole.
