By Chelsea Blair
On Dec. 23, the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department will be escorting Santa Claus to see children around the town of White Sulphur Springs The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Tanis Drive and proceed to Hamilton Addition Road, turning onto Manor Drive before returning to Hamilton Addition Road. From there, it will continue along US Route 60 to I-64 before heading back toward town via Hines Avenue. The parade will then turn right onto Bennett Street, left on Ballard Avenue to Mamick Street, and then left onto Nutter Avenue. It will return to Bennett Street, proceed back along Hines Avenue, and make its way to Main Street.
Santa’s route will include Mill Hill Drive, Crescent Avenue, Maple Street, Central Avenue, and Oak Street. The parade will then proceed onto Big Draft Road to Hope Village and continue along Pine Gap Road, Old White Trail, and Rowan Road before returning to Big Draft Road. From there, it will travel to Patterson Street, Palm Beach, and Spring Street, then to Salisbury Avenue, Villa Avenue, Park Street, and back to Greenbrier Avenue.
The next portion of the parade will move along Memorial Street to Woodland Avenue and then 2nd Street. It will proceed down Big Draft Road to Dry Creek Road, turning onto Church Street, Barton Road, and back to Dry Creek Road. The final stretch will include Scott Lane, Clark Street, and Holmes Lane, followed by Tuckahoe Road to Branch Street, Rivoire Circle, and back along Tuckahoe Road. The route will then continue to Mountain Avenue, Drewery Avenue, and Gum Street, before moving onto Ingleside Avenue and concluding at Terrace Drive.
According to the Fire Chief, the event began during Covid to give children the opportunity to see Santa before Christmas when social distancing was recommended. Each year the parade grows, making it a great event for all the children in the town.
The WSS Volunteer Fire Department urges those interested in seeing Santa to listen for the sirens to know when he is headed your way.
