Fire department takes Santa through McKeesport

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

The cancellation of the Salute to Santa Parade in downtown McKeesport this year won’t stop St. Nick from greeting the families and children of the city.

“The McKeesport community is accustomed to seeing Santa Claus atop a city fire truck during our annual holiday parade,” Mayor Michael Cherepko posted on Facebook Friday. “This year, with much of our lives on hold due to COVID restrictions, the McKeesport Fire Department will bring Santa to our neighborhoods this weekend.”

Santa’s voyage around McKeesport started Friday as he joined the firefighters in traveling through Lower and Upper 10th Ward, Harrison Village and Third Ward, Walnut Street, Christy Park. Peterson Plan and Hall Park (Chickieville).

Kris Kringle will continue his campaign around the city today from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Washington/Jefferson area, Crawford Village, the Anderson/Sarah area, Fawcett Plan, Haler Heights and the side streets from Versailles Avenue down to Fifth Avenue.

Santa’s pre-Christmas Eve tour of the will finish Sunday. From 1 to 4 p.m., Santa and the firefighters will drive around and wave at residents in the Grandview area, Myer Park, Highland Grove and the side streets between Versailles Avenue and Riverview Street.

Local officials took to social media Friday to commend the fire department for escorting Old St. Nick around the city and to celebrate the occasion. 

“This is so fantastic of Mckeesport Fire Department to have the Christmas spirit for the children of our great city,” McKeesport Area School Board President Joe Lopretto wrote.

“Santa Claus is coming to town,” Mayor’s Assistant Jennifer Vertullo wrote.

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