LETTER: Thank you from Santa's helpers

By Matt McGrew, fire chief,
Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department

With the 2015 Winter Garden Santa Run behind us, the city of Winter Garden and all of Santa’s local helpers want to thank the community for a successful Santa Run. This moving holiday display through the streets of Winter Garden took place Dec. 14 through 18. The weather was warm, but that didn’t deter us from helping Santa spread holiday cheer throughout the city.

This year, the fire department, which is in charge of the city’s Santa float, added a few bells and whistles. LED lights were added around the gift boxes, a new smoke machine stoked the chimney, and Rudolph got a red lightbulb for his nose to lead the way.

The Santa Run would not be possible without the help of our city employees, volunteers and donations from the local business community.

On behalf of the city of Winter Garden and the fire rescue department, we want to thank our primary donors: The Bond Foundation, Toole’s Ace Hardware and Larry Cappleman, as well as donations from Erik Halluska, Denny Gillard and John Terrell.

We also thank the following restaurants that fed the volunteers each night: The Avalon Diner, The Bella Room/Cookie Jar Catering, Firehouse Subs, UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill and The Winter Garden Pizza Company.

As Santa’s helpers look forward to our next Santa Run, we extend best wishes to all for a safe and happy 2016!