Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Troy P. Schinzel, Erie County legislator John Mills, Kristin Welch of the Orchard Park Recreation & Parks Department, members of the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, and Santa Claus at the Casino at Chestnut Ridge Park to announce the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge this Saturday, December 10 from 10AM – 6PM. The Erie County Parks Department is partnering with the Orchard Park Recreation Department again this year to present this popular, free event that features a full schedule of family fun.

“Christmas is in the air and a sure sign is the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge Park. It’s a free event that brings children of all ages together to spend some Christmas time at one of Erie County’s beautiful parks, take part in some seasonal activities, and even meet one-on-one with Santa,” said Poloncarz. “I want to thank Commissioner Schinzel and his department, along with their partners, for their work in presenting this great event again this year.”

Santa Land is also a designated drop-off site for the Toys for Tots campaign, and participants are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy to brighten a child’s holiday.

Activities at Santa Land include:

• Letters to Santa
• Arts and crafts
• Wagon rides to Santa (the last wagon ride leaves at 5 PM)
• Let’s Goat Buffalo Christmas Goats!
• Wood branding
• Marshmallow roasting
• Candy Cane Lane

“We are excited to be hosting Santa Land again this year and want to thank our event sponsors and friends at the Orchard Park Recreation Department for joining us to provide this wonderful FREE family event,” said Parks Commissioner Troy P. Schinzel. “We welcome parents to bring their families out to enjoy all that Santa Land has to offer but also to join in the spirit of giving by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for those less fortunate children within our community.”

Sponsors include Tops Friendly Markets, Towne Automotive, the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Moldenhauer & Associates, Legislator John Mills, Hillcrest Fire and Rescue, and News 930 WBEN.

For special accommodations call (716) 858-6215.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/  

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