Santa was in Alburtis Borough for the holiday festival Dec. 4 and could be seen throughout many of the venues during the day. Children had breakfast and photos taken with Santa at the community Center in the morning. Santa also had photos taken with pets at Cold Nose Lodge.

Riding around town on top of a fire truck, Santa was easily spotted by everyone.

While waiting for Santa, people walking by the Alburtis Animal Hospital could stop to enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate and donuts. Just over the railroad tracks from the hospital, Boy Scouts of Alburtis Troop 86 were also giving out hot chocolate and helping people on and off the horse-drawn surrey rides leaving from and sponsored by Alburtis Tavern and Alburtis Pizzeria.

Santa rode all around Alburtis and parts of Macungie and Lower Macungie. So people would know Santa was on his way, you could hear the fire truck sirens. When children heard the siren, they ran outside to wave to Santa as he went by.

Santa’s ride ended at the firehouse where he visited with and had more photos taken with children. Firefighters distributed gifts from Santa to each child who visited. Hot food was available.

Emmaus High School’s a capella singers performed at the firehouse and the winners of the cookie contest and house decorating contest were announced.

There were three judges for the four-category cookie contest this year: Ron DeIaco, Kathleen Raines and Steve Hill.

The best decorated cookie was awarded to Ashley Trexler for her melted snowmen. The easiest homemade cookie was awarded to Nancy Malewicz for her sand tarts. The best chocolate cookie winner was Ashley Trexler’s double chocolate. Samantha Trexler’s pumpkin chocolate and white chocolate chip cookies won for the most creative.

The first place winners of the house decorating contest judged by members of the Alburtis Fire Department were Maureen and Kermit Bloch; second place went to Keith and Laura Zielinski and third place was awarded to Felicia Martin.

The festival ended between 5:30 and 6 p.m. with the traditional tree lighting.