Santa to Return on Fire Engine Sleigh

No need for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer this weekend. A big, red fire engine will be carrying Santa's sleigh on Saturday, Dec. 17 from neighborhood to neighborhood in Upper St. Clair.

"It's a great time. Our guys love it. The kids love it," said Jerry Kopach, the 's president.

Santa will begin his at 10 a.m. and finish up around 4 p.m.

Keep your ears open for the fire engine's siren that will be ringing all day. Santa will be sure to make a stop on all 320 roads in the township. Click here to find out when he will be near your home or call "Santa Command" (the fire department) at 412.835.3339.

This year, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will be handing out Christmas lollipops to all the good boys and girls. Adults will receive a treat, too—an Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department 2012 calendar.

According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, Saturday's weather will be great for the fire department's event. It be mostly cloudy and in the 30s, with a slight chance of snow after 2 p.m.

"We've done it in the rain, the turnout is always worse. Snow isn't great, but you can deal," Kopach said.

"The only thing that plays havoc is if there's a fire call," said fire Chief Steve Moore.

And it's happened before. Santa had to grab a hose and help put out a serious kitchen fire one year.

Every volunteer firefighter will take part in Saturday's fun; "everyone from rookies to oldest," Kopach said.

Share your Santa experiences with the fire department here! Tell us in the comments.