MERRIMAC — Police Chief Eric Shears, Fire Chief Larry Fisher, the Merrimac Santa Committee and the Merrimac Fire Couplings are excited to announce that Santa Claus is coming to town to meet with residents and take a socially distanced picture.
For 15 years, this event has been hosted by the Merrimac Fire Couplings at the Merrimac Fire Station. However, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the Merrimac Fire Couplings has partnered with several other community groups to find a solution to keep the tradition alive while adhering to the latest COVID-19 public health guidance.
WHEN:
Sunday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE:
Merrimac Police Station 2 Jana Way, Merrimac
WHO:
- Santa Claus
- Merrimac Police Department
- Merrimac Fire Department
- Merrimac Santa Committee
- Merrimac Fire Couplings
WHAT:
Children and families are invited to take a socially distanced picture with Santa Claus this December.
While Police Chief Shears, Fire Chief Fisher, the Merrimac Santa Committee and the Merrimac Fire Couplings regret to announce that the Annual Merrimac Santa Parade is cancelled this year due to COVID-19 and social distancing concerns, children and families will still have an opportunity to see Santa Claus this year, safely.
Participants will be invited to drive to the Merrimac Police Station on December 6, where they will wait in their vehicles until it is their turn to take a photo. Santa Claus will be six feet away from children in the photos, in the background, to allow for social distancing. Christmas trees will also be in the background of the photo, and will be raffled off to families that could benefit from a Christmas tree this year.
Those who would like to be entered into the raffle or would like to nominate a family for the raffle can do so by emailing police@merrimacpolice.org. All entries for the raffle must be sent on or before Sunday, Dec. 6.
The entire event will be contactless to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity for the community to come and take a photo with Santa,” Chief Shears said. “It’s been a challenging year for so many people, and it will be really special to have a day of fun for children and families in town. A lot of hard work went into planning this event to make it possible and safe due to the pandemic, and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped out.”
All participants will be required to wear a face covering, in accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s updated mask order requiring everyone to wear a mask in public, which took effect Nov. 6.
Participants will be given a flyer at the event, which will direct them to a Flickr address where they will be able to access, download and print their photos from. Residents are also encouraged to write a letter to Santa Claus, and a box will be available at the event for children to put their letters in. All those who write letters will receive a response from Santa Claus.
Anyone with questions about the event is encouraged to email Merrimac Police at police@merrrimacpolice.org.
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