Santa Ready to Ride Through West Hempstead

We're not sure how he does it but on the busiest night of the year for Santa Claus, he will also be taking the time to make his annual trip around West Hempstead aboard a fire truck.

It's part of the West Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department's annual holiday parade, which this year, will also feature a fire vehicle decorated for Hanukkah and chocolate Hanukkah "Gelt" will be distributed for the community to enjoy.

In a statement to the Patch, the department said it "is proud of the diversity that exists in West Hempstead. We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with all of our friends and neighbors."

Starting around sundown on Saturday (approximately 4:30 p.m.) Santa and the West Hempstead firefighters will leave the fire house on Hempstead Turnpike, quickly covering the north side of town. From there they'll move on to the middle section, between Hempstead Turnpike and Hempstead Avenue, and then proceed to the area between Hempstead Avenue and Woodfield Road. Their flight will continue on the south-east side of town, between Woodfield Road and Hempstead Gardens Drive, before they return to the fire house.

Historically, the fire department has tried to cover almost every street in its district, with the exception of dead ends. To do all this, the trucks move rather quickly, so it's a good idea to post a lookout on your corner and listen for the sirens as they get closer.