First Elmira Santa Sighting Tour lights up the city

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Santa Claus came to town, this time in Elmira.  The sights and sounds of fire trucks and floats filled the city on Monday night for the first Elmira Santa Sighting Tour.

Santa sat atop the Elmira Downtown Development float, waving to families as he passed by.  Santa was escorted by the Elmira Police Department, which was made possible by New York State G.I.V.E. outreach money.  G.I.V.E. stands for gun involved violence elimination.

"It's the first time we're able to do it through the city.  This was brought to us by Elmira Downtown Development, so it's just awesome to be out here and have the individuals in the community see us in a different light than just answering calls for service," said Officer Mason Moore from the Elmira Police Department.

Families were at every stop along the way, looking at Santa in his gingerbread house and the Elmira Fire Department truck.  One member of the community said this was a festive activity to enjoy before Christmas Day, right at home.

"It gets everybody involved," said Michael Bailey, an Elmira resident.  "The whole community is involved, instead of just a single person or place. They're going around to different places, and it's really nice."

Organizers say they hope to make this a yearly tradition.