The 1880’s marked the start of an ever growing tradition in Columbia City. Every year on Christmas Eve since its inception the Whitley County Fire Department would get together to hand out candy and fruit to the community.
It is a tradition 100 years in the making and not even covid-19 is putting a stop to this annual event. Although that is the case, this year did see some changes. Instead of gathering inside the court house residents and members of the surrounding communities could drive through and pick up their goodies via curbside. They had the opportunity to see Santa from their vehicles and wish the fire department a Merry Christmas.
Allen is a man who has been coming to this event for over 40 years. He started attending with his father at the age of 7 or 8 years old.
“I’ve pretty much enjoyed this ever since,” Allen says. “It’s just a great-great thing!”
The fire department hopes to continue this tradition for years and years to come …
“Forever even,” says Chief of Fire Tom Laure.
The event started outside of the Whitley County Courthouse and ran from 6pm to 8pm. If you missed this event this year, you can surely catch it again in 2021.
Randi Orr 