(12/21/05)

AN INTERVIEW WITH SANTA: His advice this holiday season -- Don't be afraid to feel the joy
By: PETRA CHESNER SCHLATTER, STAFF EDITOR, YARDLEY NEWS (Philly, PA)

If you're not a seasoned fireman with plenty of practice racing to fires, taking a ride on top of a fire truck can be an adventure, but also a bit of a challenge.

Ask Santa Claus.

Even with years of experience under his belt, Santa Claus admits it's a new venture every year to stand on top of a moving vehicle.

Still, the show must go on. Waving to the happy crowd on Yardley Borough's Main Street, Santa Claus rode again atop the Yardley-Makefield Fire Department's ladder truck at the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade.

But, Santa said, the ladder truck is not as much of a challenge as the old Studebaker fire truck which he used to ride.

"Riding the old Studebaker was quite a feat," Santa said in an interview with the Yardley News. "It was like riding a bucking bronco bareback."

The only challenge about the newer ladder truck is you have to climb up the ladder one rung at a time. That has taken considerable practice over the years, said Santa. Mastering the foot work is one of the keys to success, said jolly old Saint Nick. (more follows)

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