PINEVILLE, N.C. — Members of the Pineville Fire Department look forward to Christmas Eve day.
“It’s pretty seamless now. We’ve got it down to a science,” training Capt. Bill Griffin said.
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Firefighters and their families start the day by gathering at the station for homemade breakfast.
“I’m usually here about 6 o’clock in the morning to start cooking for this,” Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Long said.
The day is wrapped in traditions -- a tradition no one seems to know how or when it started.
“I’ve been here my whole life. We’ve done this ever since I can remember,” Griffin said.
Griffin said the department has been organizing the event it for at least the 35 years he’s been with the fire station, but it likely dates back to the ’50s.
“We’re just trying to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer as we ride around town,” he said.
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The fun really begins once Santa arrives.
He ditched his sleigh for a fancy red firetruck.
“My 2-year-old son, Will, loves fire trucks and we heard Santa is going to be on one, so it sounds like the perfect thing to do for Christmas Eve,” parent Laura Toney said.
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Over the course of about five hours, Saint Nick and his helpers cover every Pineville street, with candy in hand.
“It’s just a great tradition where neighbors come out and mingle around and you get to see Santa and share it with your children,” resident Meaghan Strife said.
The tradition welcomes new neighbors and old, veterans and first-timers.
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“I’m super excited. I’m glad I moved to a neighborhood with such awesome traditions for Christmas. That’s fantastic,” neighbor Stephany Bergan said.
It's a win for the community and a win for Christmas.
“Just being able to see those fire trucks come through, spread that cheer,” Long said.
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