Santa Claus to make annual appearance in Cheney with firefighters

For the 15th time, Cheney Firefighters will be escorting Santa through Cheney.

The annual Candy Cane Hayride, sponsored by Cheney Firefighters Union Local 1919 in conjunction with the Cheney Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Cheney Fire Department, will again wind it's way through the streets of Cheney.

The activities will take place Thursday evening, Dec. 18, beginning at 5 p.m. and follow a mapped route towards the Salnave area. At 6:15 p.m., firefighters will start for the north end of Cheney, and conclude with a short stop in the Safeway complex at about 7 p.m.

Firefighters hope the stop at the Safeway complex allows a chance for people who live out of town, or miss them in the neighborhoods to catch up to Santa. It is important to know that all times are approximate.

Firefighters will be traveling through town handing out candy canes to people that come out and meet them at the street. The annual event will include holiday music being played over the engine's public address system, with the Jolly Old Elf himself giving out Christmas well wishes to the community.

The ride will be one night only. For the sixth consecutive year, firefighters will also be collecting food for the Cheney Food Bank. There is no requirement for making a donation of food. The purpose of the night is to have a lot of fun, spread holiday cheer, give kids a chance to see Santa and thank the community for its support.

The firefighters also want to thank Pape Machinery, BiMart and Del's Farm Supply for their support.