The holiday event was leaning much closer to cancellation due to COVID-19, but the Town said it will proceed due to last week’s amendments to the Provincial Health Officer’s Gathering and Events Order.
Thankfully, Creston’s annual Fire Truck Christmas Caroling is ready to roll on Sunday, December 20th.
“We know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, and we have not been able to partake in community celebrations as we have in the past”, said Creston Fire Rescue Fire Chief Jared Riel. “As a department, we will have to make several changes to the way we structure the Fire Truck Christmas Caroling to ensure that we are following the Orders and keeping the health and safety of our firefighters and citizens as the highest priority. That being said, we are so excited to be able to provide some much needed holiday cheer for our community.”
The CFR Fire Truck Christmas Caroling tradition began in 2014. Every year since on the last Sunday before Christmas, decorated firetrucks playing Christmas music drive through residential Creston.
This year, CFR plans to leave the fire hall at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, and will be providing real-time updates on their Facebook page, as well as posting a link to a GPS sharing app so people can track the fire truck (and Santa!) as they move throughout the community.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some adjustments.
“As much as Santa and the Fire Department enjoy the thoughtfulness of baked goods and other holiday treats from the community, we will not be able to accept any this year”, advised Chief Riel. “We kindly ask that you please respect the physical distancing guidelines and not approach the fire trucks when you are outside to greet us. If you choose to drive and park to see the decorated trucks, please stay in your vehicles.”
Creston Mayor Ron Toyota added, “More than ever, Council appreciates the considerable efforts that our volunteer firefighters and Fire Department staff put into maintaining the highest levels of service for our community we know how much time they volunteer to successfully coordinate the Fire Truck Christmas Caroling each year, and how much our citizens enjoy seeing and hearing the decorated trucks playing Christmas music. We are so pleased.”