Keizer kids can get candy canes and a moment with Santa during the Keizer Fire District’s annual candy cane event.

This is a drive-thru, where people can stay in their vehicles with their children to drive through the fire hall. They can also get out to chat with Santa.

Last year, firefighters handed out the holiday treats to an estimated 300 people.

The event this year runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. The drive-thru format was adopted in 2021.

For decades before, the tradition was for Santa to head out into Keizer neighborhoods, delivering candy canes and holiday cheer from a fire rig. The goal was to cover every street in town.

But as the city has grown and the demand for fire service went up as well, the driving tradition had to be parked. The candy offerings persist, to the delight of local youngsters.

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