The procession of Santa Claus and reindeer through South Farmingdale, a treat made possible annually by the South Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department, is slated for next weekend, Dec. 19 and 20.

Anticipation of the popular event has been growing in recent weeks as residents have become immersed in the holiday season, according to Assistant Chief Donald Mormino, who, too, expressed enthusiasm for the occasion during a recent interview. "Santa Claus will be accompanied by probably at least six fire trucks, along with his sleigh and his reindeer," he announced. "It's going to start on the 19th, at around 9 o'clock in the morning, probably until dark, and it will run both days."

The fanciful setup, which is carried on an 18-foot trailer, was designed and built by members of the South Farmingdale Fire Department, many of whom are carpenters by trade.

In addition to the appearance by the jolly character from the North Pole, participating firefighters will hand out candy canes to local children. "We usually send two fire trucks ahead with the sirens, and by the time everybody comes out, the firefighters start handing out the candy canes to all the kids." Approximately 40 to 50 firefighters participate in the event, which is enjoyed by more than 1,000 children.

The arrival of Santa Claus in South Farmingdale is a recent tradition in the community, according to Mormino. "It started about 20 years ago...and it's been done every year since then. It's gotten bigger and bigger each year. There were times we had Santa Claus flown in by helicopter. We try to do something different every year," he said. Originally, Santa had sat in a basket attached to the truck, waving to the children. About four years ago, the fire department expanded the presentation by creating the sleigh on the trailer and adding the reindeer and other mechanical animals.

Seasonal music will abound, and the truck will be adorned with holiday decorations. And, the program is not only festive, it is community-building, as expressed by Mormino. "It's a way for us to interact, in a positive manner with the community. It's not always doom and gloom - fighting fires and rescuing people - it's the firefighters actually coming out and dealing with them on a happier note," he said. "The firefighters are there. We're always there to help. This is the way the fire department gives back to the community in addition to what we normally would do."

The service has been rewarded by smiles on the faces of the children, Mormino noted. "You just come down the block and you look at the kids, and you see a smile on a kid's face from ear to ear - no matter who you are - it just does something to you," he said, adding, "Each year, we begin to get more and more telephone calls from the community around the holiday time wanting to know when Santa Claus is coming, and what dates he's going to be out. The kids look forward to it every year."

Covering the area, which is 3.2 square miles, and includes 5,000 homes, is quite a challenge. However, the fire department is usually successful in doing so by the end of the second day, and expects the same this year, according to Mormino.

In addition to providing a chance for residents of the South Farmingdale community to mingle with their neighbors, the event also provides another reason for some families to gather together during the holiday season. "We have grandparents who actually make a day out of it. They call their family and their grand-kids to come to their house when Santa comes," said Mormino.