Santa’s 2022 MBTS Fire Truck Tour Team, from left, Lt. Jim Doucette, Tom Kehoe, Seaside Fireman's Club, Captain Andrew Porter, Rockport Fire Department, Santa Claus, Lt. Bob Cavender, Bill Bell, American Legion, Officer Ron Ramos, Officer Richard Chute and Lt. Jon Happel (Courtesy photo)
It was a day of cold winds and snow in the forecast for Santa’s Tour around town on Sunday, December 11. Santa’s Annual Tour around town sponsored by the Amaral Bailey Post #113 American Legion and the Seaside Fireman’s Club of the Manchester Fire Department and was supported by the Manchester Fire Department. This traditional trip has been happening for over 65 years due to the dedication of the two groups much to the joy of the youngsters around town.
Prior to the tour, about 30 folks were at the fire station to see Santa and talk to him prior to Santa climbing on the back of the Rockport Forestry truck for the trip. The entire trip around town took about two-and- one half hours and brought joy to many coming out of their homes, despite the cold temperatures to welcome Santa to their neighborhood. Following the trip, Santa headed right back to the North Pole to get ready for the December 24 trip around the world.
This trip would not have been possible without the work of many people. First, Santa had his second year on Rockport Forestry # 1. Thanks to the Rockport Forestry Department and Driver Captain Andrew Porter for bringing the 1941 Ford Forestry Truck to town for the Santa Tour. Thanks to FF Jon Happel and his wife Marsha for piloting his truck for the distribution of animal crackers. Thanks to Lt Jim Doucette and Lt. Bob Cavender for piloting Manchester Squad # 3 and Officers Ron Ramos and Richard Chute for escorting Santa around town. Thanks to Bill Bell, member of the Amaral Bailey Post # 113 and Tom Kehoe from the Seaside Fireman’s Club for taking care of the animal cracker distribution. Thanks to MFD Chief Jason Cleary for his support of the trip. Most of all, thanks to Santa for bringing cheer to the residents and the residents of all ages who came out to welcome him to their neighborhoods with cheers and well wishes on this cold and blustery day.
