SANTA LAND RETURNS TO CHESTNUT RIDGE PARK

Modified: December 2, 2019 4:39pm

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Date: 
12/2/19

Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel along with Santa Claus and representatives of the Orchard Park Recreation Department to announce the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge this weekend, December 7-8, 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.

 

“With or without snow, Christmas is in the air and this weekend we are welcoming Santa Claus back to Chestnut Ridge Park for Santa Land, providing seasonal fun for kids of all ages,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Kids are getting their lists ready for their face-to-face meetings with the jolly old elf, which will be happening here all weekend along with hayrides and other great activities. I want to thank our Parks Department and 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 face painting, wood cutting and marshmallow roasts on both days. Family favorites from earlier years return as well, with hay rides to Santa and arts & crafts scheduled throughout the weekend. In addition, the Casino’s concession stand will be open during the event offering food and drink for sale. Caroling by the Orchard Park Chorale will take place on Saturday from 12-2 PM.

 

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.

 

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel said, “Families look forward to Santa Land each year and this year will be another special time to make some Christmas memories. Parents should remember that the last hay ride to see Santa will leave at 2:30 each day, so please plan accordingly.”

 

“Year after year it is with great pleasure the Orchard Park Recreation department has the opportunity to collaborate with Erie County to provide Santa Land as a fun free family event. This fine tradition has allowed many parents who once enjoyed the event as a child themselves to start a new tradition with their own family,” added Orchard Park Recreation Director Ed Leak.   

 

Along with Erie County, the Orchard Park Recreation Department, and the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy,  support and sponsorship of Santa Land is provided by Towne Auto Group, Orchard Fresh Markets, WBEN AM 930, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Hillcrest Volunteer Fire.

 

 

For more information:

 

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

 

 

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