Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo, members of the Orchard Park Recreation Department and the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, and Santa Claus at the Casino at Chestnut Ridge Park to announce the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge this weekend, December 8-9, from 11AM – 3PM each day. Again this year, the Erie County Parks Department is partnering with the Orchard Park Recreation Department to present this popular, free event that features a full schedule of family fun on both days.

“Christmas is in the air and a sure sign is the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge Park. It’s a free event that brings children of all ages together to spend some Christmas time at one of Erie County’s beautiful parks, take part in some seasonal activities, and even meet one-on-one with Santa,” said Poloncarz. “I want to thank Commissioner Rizzo and his department, along with their partners, for their work in presenting this great event again this year.”

Presented by the Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department in conjunction with the Orchard Park Recreation Department, Santa Land is bringing back family activities this year including 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. If conditions permit, sledding will also be available. Santa Land is also a designated drop-off site for the Toys for Tots campaign, and participants are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy to brighten a child’s holiday.

“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.”

Support and sponsorship of Santa Land is provided by: the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Towne Auto Group, Orchard Fresh Market, WBEN AM 930, the Basil Family Dealerships, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hillcrest Volunteer Fire, and legislator John Mills.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/

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