Published: 12/19/2021 3:10:35 PM
Modified: 12/19/2021 3:10:21 PM
SUNDERLAND — While his reindeer may have taken the weekend off, rain and snow couldn’t keep Santa from bringing smiles to the streets of Sunderland on Saturday.
Saint Nick joined the Sunderland Police and Fire departments on a fire engine to tour the town for a second consecutive year. The parade, the continuation of a tradition that began amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a way of preserving holiday cheer while practicing social distancing, began in the town center at around 1:10 p.m. From there, emergency vehicles made their way down Reservation Road, North Silver Lane, Plumtree Road, Russell Street, Hadley Road, Old Amherst Road and South Silver Lane.
It was all smiles for Mr. Claus and company as they dismounted their vehicles.
“I’ll tell you, this is the most motley group of elves I’ve ever had,” he joked as his feet touched the ground.
Ken Kushi, a lifelong Sunderland resident who reprised his role as Santa after doing so for half a century, could have melted snow with how warmly he spoke of his work. He reminisced about having suited up for Northfield, Amherst and Sunderland fire departments over the years, as well as private homes and businesses, to participate in various Christmas celebrations.
Following an October 2017 car accident that broke Kushi’s neck and bound him to his recliner for the holidays, the following Christmases have been a matter of renewed purpose.
“I can’t put into words the joy I get from what I do,” he said. “It helps people forget their problems for just a little while.”
For the Fire Department, having Kushi tour the town a second consecutive year was a priority, with the lingering COVID-19 pandemic making it difficult to hold other events that would bring Christmas spirit to children.
“We figured kids wouldn’t see Santa as they normally did,” Fire Capt. Mike Zeoli said, “so we figured we’d bring him around so they could see Santa.”
Zeoli said the parade is slated to continue as a yearly town tradition for years to come. He hopes to add more stops and roads to the tour route in the future.
“I thought it was really nice to see the kids out,” Zeoli said. “I hope they enjoyed the tour and have a very happy holiday.”
With the parade on pace to become an annual Christmas staple in Sunderland, Kushi showed no signs of fatigue.
“The smiles not just on children,” he said, “but adults, too, makes my Christmas.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.