Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire
Register for the Sparks of Joy Lottery!
We just received word from the North Pole that Santa will be making an early visit to Weston and he'll be hitching a ride on our Fire Truck! Santa will be making visits throughout town on Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Be sure to enter the lottery which opens on November 1st at 9am on our website wvfd.com - the lottery will be drawn on November 15th (entry does not guarantee a timeslot), those chosen will be notified via email following the drawing.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant John Dembishack: jdembishack@wvfd.com
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: | What is Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire |
| A: | During one weekend in December, the members of Weston Fire Department don Santa suits and elf attire instead of turnout gear to escort Santa to the homes of children around Weston. We arrive with lights, sirens, and Santa to your home. |
| Q: | When will Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire take place? |
| A: | Visits will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 or Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4:30 – 8 PM to Weston addresses that have been awarded a spot in the lottery. Visits will be 15 minutes max from arrival in order to maximize the number of addresses Santa is able to visit |
| Q: | Is there a fee? |
| A: | A minimum donation of $200 per address is requested for up to 8 children, each additional child is $25 each. All donations go toward Weston Volunteer Fire Department. |
| Q: | How will I know I won the lottery? |
| A: | We will communicate with winners via e-mail after the lottery drawing on November 15. The winners e-mail will detail next steps for donation etc. We will also e-mail everyone who entered the lottery but did not win as well so it's clear. |
| Q: | I won the lottery. Can I increase the number of children at my stop? |
| A: | Yes, you may increase the number of children at your stop up until your donation is sent prior to December 1st. |
| Q: | How will the lottery system work? |
| A: | Once registration is open you will fill out an online form which will be available on our website at 9am on November 1st where you will provide information such as Name, Address, E-mail, Phone Number, Number of Children, Special Accommodations etc. Once the registration time frame is closed those entries will be put into a computer generated lottery program and addresses will be randomly selected as winners. Only one entry can be made per residence. |
| Q: | Can I pick what time slot Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire visits my address? |
| A: | No. In order to maximize the number of visits your address will be assigned a visitation time. Visits will be 15 minutes max from arrival in order to maximize the number of addresses Santa is able to visit |
| Q: | Will Santa bring gifts for my child/children? |
| A: | No, gifts for each child will need to be provided by family and pre wrapped with child's name displayed clearly on them. We ask that a point person at the address has the gifts and elves will gather gifts from that person upon arrival to address. |
| Q: | Do I have to live in Weston to have Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire visit my address? |
| A: | Yes. You must have a Weston address in order for Sparks of Joy: Santa Rides with Weston Fire to visit. A homeowner must be present. |
| Q: | Can my child(ren) sit in the fire truck? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | Does Santa come inside? |
| A: | Yes, Santa will come inside the residence to give gifts to children. |
| Q: | Does Santa take pictures with pets? Does my pet need to be put away? |
| A: | For the safety of Santa, WVFD members, and the elves, all pets should be put away. |
| Q: | What happens if I need to cancel? |
| A: | Unfortunately due to the nature of the event we cannot accommodate rescheduled dates. |
| Q: | Can I switch my time slot with another family? |
| A: | No. Because we have mapped routes out for efficiency. |
| Q: | Is there a max amount of kids that can attend one house/stop? |
| A: | No, while we suggest you group up, we can only spend up to 15 minutes per stop as Santa is a busy guy. |
| Q: | What happens if there is an emergency in town and Sparks of Joy has to leave? |
| A: | The Weston Volunteer Fire Department reserves the right to cancel any appointments based on extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions, fire or rescue emergencies, mechanical issues, or any other condition that may cause us to cancel. If your delivery is canceled, a full refund will be awarded if one is requested. |
| Q: | Can Weston FD arrive at my house accommodating sensory friendly guests? |
| A: | Yes, during registration in the notes field for special accommodations please list if you request no lights and/or sirens etc. for Santa's arrival. |
| Q: | How do we prepare for Santa's arrival? |
| A: | Santa's head elf will call the listed contact who registered via the phone number provided about 10-15 minutes before arrival, if no answer we will send a text message. We ask to make sure your house number is visible and outside lights are on. We would suggest children gather either by a window or outside depending on weather to see the arrival of Santa. |
| Q: | I have a long driveway or a shared driveway will the Fire Engine come down? |
| A: | Please list during registration if you have a common driveway or a long driveway off the street and we will do our best to evaluate beforehand if the Fire Engine can accommodate. If we cannot accommodate then the fire department pickup truck will arrive with Santa down the driveway while the Fire Engine remains on the road. Children are still welcome to see the Engine on the road. |