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Mr. and Mrs. Claus bring high spirits to downtown

Published 4:25 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022

By Clarise Larson

Mr and Mrs. Claus wave to residents from above as they sit in in the basket of a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck for the Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
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Mr and Mrs. Claus wave to residents from above as they sit in in the basket of a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck for the Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Mr and Mrs. Claus wave to residents from above as they sit in in the basket of a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck for the Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Mr and Mrs. Claus wave to residents from above as they sit in in the basket of a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck for the Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Callan Wilburn, 4, covers his ears with his mittens as the Capital City Fire/Rescue vehicles drive downtown for the Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Liesel Thier, 4, snacks on a candy cane while on the shoulders of her dad during the downtown Santa parade Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Even with an Arctic front, Juneau residents young and old donned their warmest hats, mittens and jackets downtown to give a wave to Mr and Mrs. Claus who, instead of riding in their sleigh, hitched a high ride in the basket of a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck.

Dozens of families lined the sidewalks of downtown Juneau and Douglas, giving waves and cheers to the Clauses while munching on candy canes handed out by CCFR volunteers and staff.

According to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the duo was well prepped for the cold weather and wore “layer upon layer” to keep the heat up as they rode through the sky.

“It’s going to be cold but we dressed good and we’re doing it for the kids, that’s what it’s all about,” said Mrs. Claus.

The annual event is a collaborative effort from CCFR, Alaska State Firefighters Association Juneau Chapter, IAFF Local 4303, and Douglas Fire Association who host the ride in an effort to bring some extra holiday cheer to Juneau families, according to Travis Mead, CCFR assistant fire chief.

“It’s always fun and we do it for the kids and families,” Mead said.

• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651)-528-1807. Follow her on Twitter at @clariselarson.

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