On Saturday night, Nov. 24, Boothbay Fire Department and Bayview Lodge hosted their annual welcome party for Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Boothbay Common. Before the pair arrived, guests gathered and enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies while a line formed and grew nearly 100 people long.

All ages came from near and far, in groups of two to 10 or more. Some were bundled up in heavy parkas and ski pants while others sported only sweaters and jeans.

At just seconds before 6 p.m., the sirens could be heard approaching. Onlookers peered north to spot the fire truck just past the glittering lights at Boothbay Harbor Country Club. As the truck travelled toward and through the roundabout, kids cheered as they caught a glimpse of the big guy waving to them.  

Once the truck arrived, Fire Chief Dick Spofford helped Santa and Mrs. Claus to the gazebo where family after family waited for their turn to take pictures and share a special moment with the famous pair.

The gift requests ran from robots to dollhouse mansions. One young man even asked Santa for a Fitbit. After a bit of a chuckle, Santa admitted to Mrs. Claus, sometimes he puts his Fitbit on one of the reindeer to get his steps in for the day.

Eleanor Erwin asked for Patriots tickets under her tree. Santa said he’d do his best but that she should know Pats tickets are expensive and hard to come by, even for Santa.

Nearly a dozen volunteers from Boothbay Fire Department and Bayview Lodge make this special event a reality for families each holiday season.