Santa and friends make their way through Town of Niagara

102-year-old Martha Mathison recognized at parade

A new holiday tradition debuted last week in the Town of Niagara, with the first Santa neighborhood drive.

At the event, Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso was joined by Santa Claus, his elves, and the Grinch traveling inside a green Jeep provided by Joe Cecconi Chrysler Complex. They were followed by Town of Niagara Police Department vehicles, and trucks from Niagara Active Hose Co. at the Dec. 18 holiday happening.

The caravan visited neighborhoods throughout the Town of Niagara. Virtuoso said this was the first celebration of its kind in the Town of Niagara that she was aware of.

“They do it in a lot of municipalities and it’s just our way of wishing everybody merry Christmas by bringing Santa through the neighborhoods for all the kids, and get them all excited for next week,” Virtuoso said.

102-year-old Town of Niagara resident Martha Mathison was recognized at the start of the Santa neighborhood drive. (Submitted)

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The parade began with a visit to Martha Mathison who, at age 102, is the town’s eldest resident. Martha was presented with a floral bouquet from Wegmans, and a $102 gift certificate to Tops.

“She is an absolute lovely lady – and even stood outside later in the evening to wave as we passed her home,” Virtuoso said.

Town of Niagara resident David Spagnolo said his children and neighborhood friends were excited about the parade. As the route passed his property, candy canes were tossed out and Santa could be seen in the passenger side of the vehicle.

“It makes the holidays for us and the kids extra special,” Spagnolo said.

Virtuoso said she wanted residents to know she, the board and the municipal leaders, “wish everybody the happiest Christmas and hope they enjoy the ride through.”

In addition, Virtuoso noted she has a direct line to Santa.

“Santa is a personal friend – and he definitely leaves me his cellphone number,” she said.

Ben Joe contributed to this report.

Santa neighborhood drive photos by Ben Joe.