Santa makes his way through the Merion Park neighborhood.
By LESLEY GRAHAM
Residents and visitors alike, were treated to a visit from Santa Claus throughout Ocean City on Friday.
Making his way around town on an Ocean City Fire Department truck, the jolly man in the red suit, brought joy and smiles to kids of all ages as the city prepares itself for the holiday season.
Four-year-old Silas Deckard was thrilled to see Santa pass through his neighborhood.
“I yelled, ‘Hi, Santa and I’m pretty sure he heard me. That made me so happy and it was really cool,'” Silas exclaimed.
His mother, Lauren Deckard, was excited to be able to share in the excitement of Christmas with her son and create new traditions.
“The city always does such a great job hosting events around the holidays, so even during a pandemic it was great to see those traditions continue,” Deckard said.
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Santa Claus, making the long trip from the North Pole, started his trip in town at the Fire Station Headquarters and weaved his way down streets and through neighborhoods from north to south before returning to downtown Asbury Avenue.
Once Santa returned to Asbury from the south end, the city participated in the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at City hall, enjoyed by many who observed safely six feet apart and masked to ensure public safety.
The ride throughout Ocean City capped off the Miracle on Asbury Avenue celebration in which stores offered holiday shopping specials and horse and carriage rides. The event culminated with the lighting of the tree at City Hall.
Families enjoy a night with Santa and the city's tree lighting ceremony. Back row: Nicole Piergross, Ron Schmid Sr., Denise Schmid, Joann Smith, Ron Schmid Jr. Front Row: Luci Schmid, Ashley Schmid, Rori Schmid.
Ashley Schmid and her family enjoyed the tree lighting downtown as a part of their annual family tradition.
“It’s been a tradition with my family for years to see Santa arrive at City Hall and even though this year was different, we still wanted to enjoy Santa and the lighting of the tree,” Schmid noted.
Although the city has had to cancel the majority of its longstanding holiday activities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Santa was able to safely travel to town to kick off the holiday season and bring holiday joy and cheer.
Santa was only here for a quick trip -- as he has returned to the North Pole to keep his eye on the elves and check his list, twice.
Lauren Deckard and her 4-year-old son, Silas, and Stephen Swerline with his 2-year-old son, Sutton, wave to Santa as he drives by.
City Hall is illuminated and decorated for the holidays.
Santa heads to the south end of the island with his firefighting motorcade.
