Firefighters set the night scene ablaze
By Chris Simon

About 200 people gathered at the Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service's Stroud station for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony Saturday night. Santa Claus also arrvied on the back of a fire truck, while families were treated to food and hot beverages. Another tree lighting will take place at Alcona Station 1 Friday.

There were bright lights shining at the Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service's Stroud station Saturday, and hardly any of them were attached to a vehicle.

About 200 people gathered at the station for a tree lighting celebration last week. The festivities, which have been an annual tradition in Stroud for over 30 years, featured Santa Claus arriving on the back of a fire truck, food and warm drinks, said Innisfil Fire and Rescue's Greg Hart.

"We do it every year; it's been going for a long time," he said. "It's a night that we can start off the festive season and get the community together."

Hart says the event allows firefighters to give back to the community.

"We just try to give back a little bit of what the community gives to us throughout the year for our food drives and stuff," he said. "Every year is getting tougher for us to do charity drives. We're just trying to get everybody back into the Christmas spirit and this is our kick off."

The station hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including pancake breakfasts and food drives. Several local businesses donated food and drinks for the event.

On Friday, firefighters at Station 1 in Alcona will also be hosting a tree lighting ceremony, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be food, games and a visit from someone special. The tree will be lit at 7 p.m..