Waterbury Rotary moves Santa in the park to Sunday, Dec. 12

Dec. 2, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Santa's helper elves deliver treat bags to kids from a safe distance at Waterbury Rotary's 2020 Santa in the Park event. File photo by Gordon Miller

The "Drive by Santa and Friends" event hosted by the Waterbury Rotary is moving to Sunday, Dec.12, due to Saturday’s weather forecast.

The drive-through event is set for 3-5 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park. In addition to decorations, festive characters, and Santa, the elves will have a present for every child.

Rotary Club organizers said the activity will be set up along the edges of the park along Rotarian Place and Park Street. At the end of the line, Santa will be joined by his helper elves.

Kids of all ages are invited to come by to greet Santa and receive some special treats. Vehicles will queue up along Rotarian Way and Park Street to pass by Santa. Elves will deliver gift bags to kids from a safe distance and there will be opportunities for photos.

Santa in the park is a longtime Rotary Club tradition that includes each child receiving a small gift. Last year’s turnout was so strong, the elves’ supply of gifts ran out early. Rotary organizer Dan McKibben recalled how they were able to quickly restock with candy canes at nearby stores.

“We are optimistic that this year the elves are coming with plenty of gifts,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the holiday light displays, inflatable characters, and Rotarians in costumes.”

Event details are online here.