WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – It’s the season of giving, and celebrating just that, the “River Santa” event continues to bring in tens of thousands of dollars for the community.
For ten years the tradition has stood, kids eagerly awaiting Santa along the St. Lawrence River, as he arrives not by sleigh, but by boat, ready to greet the kiddos, take some pictures, and give out gifts.
“It is such a magical thing to hear all the kids cheer as the fire boat came into view with Santa there,” said First Vice President Clayton Rotary Club Diane Leonard.
The event is usually held in Alexandria, but this year it was held in Clayton.
It’s a free event for families, which on the surface is meant to bring Christmas joy to families, but donations tend to play a large role in the events ultimate goal: giving back to the community.
“On average we expect that we raise about $30,000 each year that go to school backpack programs and food pantries,” said Leonard, “and the donations are actually still rolling in and people can still give at riversanta.com, but it does look like we will meet or exceed that previous number.”
Officials say the amount is usually distributed differently each year. They tend to give based on where the most need is.
The more than fifty event sponsors also played a huge role in making this event happen. Leonard says without them this event wouldn’t be possible.
Sunday marked the last boat trip for Santa, and the last day of River Santa.
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