Get ready to be curbside in the coming days, Folsom residents. Santa Claus is coming to town, complete with a police and fire escort to lead the way. The annual Folsom Santa Run is gearing up to hit the streets of Folsom soon and this year, it’s even bigger to accommodate the many “Santa fans,” in the community.
Presented annually by the Folsom Police Officers Association with the help of numerous community volunteers and the Folsom Fire Department, the event takes place beginning Dec. 10 and will run through Dec. 16.
The Folsom Santa Run has been a long tradition in Folsom as Santa and Mrs. Claus are escorted through the various neighborhoods by police and fire units, complete with flashing lights and plenty of blaring sirens to signal little ones as he enters their community.
This annual event draws families to the front of their homes year after year. Today, new generations of Folsom families are enjoying the same tradition many of their parents enjoyed growing up locally. Not only does the event bring hundreds of smiles to area school children, it also collects non-perishable food donations for the Twin Lakes Food Bank from those that want to participate along the route.
“It’s so good to be back for another year of bringing smiles to our community, non-perishable goods to the Twin Lakes Food Bank, and toys to the Folsom PD toy drive,” said Folsom Police Sgt. Brandon Monsoor. Monsoor has been involved with the Santa run since he joined the department, along with many others that put so much time and care into continuing the tradition.
“This year we have added an additional night to accommodate our ever growing community so Santa can spend quality time with each child and adult who believe in the spirit of Christmas,” added Monsoor.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will depart the Folsom Police Department nightly at 5 p.m., starting on Dec 10, to travel to their designated routes over the six-day period. Their specific route along with the designated stops can be found online at www.folsomsantatracker.com. On the nights of the event, you can track Santa’s progress live on at the same link to make sure you don’t miss his arrival.
December 10: Los Cerros;Willow Springs; Prairie Oaks and Broadstone
December 12: Natoma Station; Cobble Ridge; Steeplechase
December 13: Briggs Ranch; The Parkway; Willow Creek
December 14: Folsom Ranch (South of Highway 50)
December 15: American River Canyon, Historic Folsom
December 16: Lexington Hills; Hillcrest Village;Empire Ranch
Photo courtesy of Folsom Police Officers Association