Modified: December 6, 2016 2:27pm
Today, Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo, elected officials, representatives of the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, members of the Orchard Park Recreation Department, and Santa Claus joined together at the Casino at Chestnut Ridge Park to announce the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge this weekend, December 10-11, from 11AM – 3PM each day. Again this year, the Erie County Parks Department is partnering with the Orchard Park Recreation Department to present both Santa Land and Winterfest, another popular seasonal celebration held at the Park on January 29, 2017.
“We are excited to be hosting Santa Land at beautiful Chestnut Ridge Park again this year and want to thank our event sponsors and friends at the Orchard Park Recreation Department for joining us to provide this wonderful FREE family event,” said Parks Commissioner Daniel J. Rizzo. “We welcome parents to bring their families out to enjoy all that Santa Land has to offer but also to join in the spirit of giving by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for those less fortunate children within our community.”
Santa Land is a designated drop-off site for the 2016 Toys for Tots campaign, and event participants are encouraged to help brighten a child’s holiday by donating a new, unwrapped toy in one of the conveniently-located Toys for Tots barrels.
Orchard Park Recreation Director Ed Leak said, “The Orchard Park Recreation department is once again honored to collaborate with Erie County by offering Santa Land as one of the most popular special events held each year. The ability to run the event is directly related to the support of our Corporate Sponsors year after year. Showcasing Chestnut Ridge Park as the jewel of the County park system is a benefit for all our residents.”
Presented by the Erie County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department in conjunction with the Orchard Park Recreation Department, Santa Land is bringing back family activities this year including a hay maze, wood cutting, and marshmallow roasts on both days.
Family favorites from earlier years return as well, with hay rides to Santa, face painting, and arts & crafts scheduled for both days. In addition, the Casino’s concession stand will be open during the event offering food and drink for sale.
Support and sponsorship of Santa Land is provided by: the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Cappelli’s Pizzeria, Towne Auto Group, Wegmans, WBEN AM 930, the Basil Family Dealerships, Dick’s Sporting Goods, West Herr Auto Group, Hillcrest Volunteer Fire, and legislator John Mills.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit