There was plenty of snow with more than 54 inches deep of snow, and the outside temperature was 28 degrees. Santa arrived from the North Pole on his sleigh with reindeer, and left the reindeer at the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department building to rest up for the journey back to the North Pole.

Santa encouraged the firemen to drive him on Engine 102 to the village park at the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue. There, with the help of Elf Patricia, Santa talked to the children and gave each one a gift.

Many children sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they would like for Christmas. Santa thanks the Cassadaga Volunteer Firemen for their help with his arrival. Santa saw on his sleigh ride to Cassadaga two signs which read “Free Snow.”

Hot chocolate and hot coffee stand was set up nearby by the Cassadaga Fire Auxiliary. Deputy Mayor William Astry set up two fire pits so that those attending could warm themselves. Inside the Cassadaga Branch Library building were treats for all, and books and coloring books for the children, and activities for the children.

Photographs by John Sipos, Village Historian Santa and Elf Patricia, who were driven to the village park by the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department Engine 102, are waiting for the children to talk with Santa.

Nearby at the Cassadaga Park Methodist Church was a live nativity set. At 5 p.m., the multitude of Christmas lights were lit followed by caroling by all those attending. At 6 p.m., inside the Park Church was a Christmas Concert with 27 participants. These people in the choir had gathered for weeks to rehearse for today’s performance.

All of the participants were from the surrounding towns. The group is known as the Valley Community Christmas Choir, and will be performing three more times in area Churches. Debbie Runge Meder is the organizer and the director of the choir. Erin Gray was the narrator. Brandon Meacham is the pastor of the Church. One of the special performances was that of Greg Bacon, who portrayed Frosty the Snowman wearing the old silk hat which had magic in it, and singing the Frosty song. A fine choir performance was enjoyed by all, and one thing to note is that the group was filled with enthusiasm.

The group known as the Citizens for a Better Cassadaga were responsible for the organization of the festival known as Light Up Cassadaga. Many people and organizations donated funds for the festival and this was very much appreciated. With the financial donations, Christmas lighting services were used for the lights and decorations in the village park known as Ames Common. Many memories were from today’s festival.