Santa and Mrs. Claus to ride around Oakmont on Saturday afternoon

Oakmont residents hearing the fire sirens go off early Saturday afternoon should not panic. It’s just Santa Claus coming through town with his wife and helpers.

The Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department and the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce have partnered to make the visit possible.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a small parade at noon from the fire station at 418 Virginia Ave. and down most of the main roads throughout the borough. A map of the route is posted on the department’s Facebook page.

It covers most of the roads named after states, such as Washington and Delaware avenues.

The event is an effort to make up for the chamber’s annual Christmas celebration, which was canceled earlier this year due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Chamber Director Karen DeTurck said they had hoped to bring Santa to The Oaks Theater for pictures later this month, but that was canceled as well due to health and safety concerns.

“We’re trying everything,” DeTurck said about spreading holiday cheer. “It’s going to be a very short parade, but we’re going to be throwing a bunch of candy out for the kids. Hopefully it won’t rain on us.”

The Christmas parade normally goes through Oakmont and Verona with thousands of people lining the streets to see their favorite characters and performers.

That was canceled last month after Oakmont Council decided not to close Allegheny River Boulevard for the event. Elected officials cited the large crowds during a pandemic.

The fire truck travels will be contained to the borough, and no roads will be closed. Santa also will not be able to stop for pictures.

“This is our covid-safe alternative,” Oakmont Fire Chief Dave Carroll said. “We took the Easter Bunny around (in the spring), so we’re just doing the same with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. It will bring excitement to the community and children of Oakmont.”

Oakmont’s mascot, Chip Chip the squirrel, will round out the parade.

More information is available at oakmont-pa.com.