SIDNEY CENTER - A festive glow lit up the hamlet Dec. 6 as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the Sidney Center Fire Station, greeted by a crowd that filled the small village hub with the sound of children’s laughter and the bustle of neighbors catching up.
The Clauses made their entrance aboard a brightly illuminated sleigh - a handcrafted spectacle built and decorated by Tom Hunt and Shawn Patrick. As the pair stepped inside, two elves and a team of volunteers from The Uplift Collective transformed the firehouse into a cheerful holiday outpost, offering cocoa, cookies, crafts and games for youngsters and the adults who happily played along.
The Uplift Collective, which organizes the annual celebration, said the event thrives only because of broad community support. This year’s gratitude list included the Sidney Center Fire Department, members of the Friends & Family Church, student volunteers from Sidney Central School, its own board and volunteers, and musician Judy Pitel, who provided live holiday tunes. And, of course, a nod went to Santa and Mrs. Claus, who once again made time for a stop in the hamlet.
More photos from the evening are available on the organization’s Facebook page.
