The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge Park on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from 11AM – 3PM. The Parks Department is partnering with the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy and the Town of Orchard Park Recreation Department again this year to present the popular weekend event, which features free family activities to brighten the holiday spirit.

“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 Erie County Executive Mark C. 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.”

“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 and Chestnut Ridge Conservancy for joining us once again at this wonderful time of year,” 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.”

This year, Santa Land is bringing back free family activities including a hay maze, wood cutting, and marshmallow roasts on both days. Other favorites include 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. Participants needing special accommodations should call 858-6215 by December 8.

Santa Land is also a designated drop-off site for the 2017 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. All toys collected will be distributed to local children in time for Christmas.

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 http://www2.erie.gov/parks/

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