MEXICO – For as long as firefighter Jack Arsenault can remember, Santa has come to town on the day after Thanksgiving.

He’s 40 years old now, and he remembers the thrill of seeing Mr. And Mrs. Claus ride in their sleigh down Main Street.

The annual arrival begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Franklin Savings Bank. From there, Santa, and perhaps Mrs. Claus if she can get way from baking cookies, will travel down Main Street in a sleigh to the fire station, where the the colorful lights of the Christmas tree will be turned on. Santa will continue on to Maddy’s Pizza, turn around, then return to the fire station, where he will greet children from the back of a fire engine.

Arsenault said at least 200 youngsters show up each year to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. This is regardless of rain, snow or cold. The event always takes place.

Santa, thanks to the Mexico Firefighters Relief Association, will pass out bags of goodies to each child. Many parents also take photographs of their child sitting on Santa’s lap, said Arsenault.

What: Santa comes to town

When: 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 26

Where: Downtown Mexico