The sirens sounded, the red warning lights flashed and nearly all the equipment exited Sykesville Freedom District Fire Company Friday night.
This was a fun run, not a race to an emergency call.
The firefighters made their way leisurely down Freedom Avenue and into Piney Run Village, first stop on the 1994 Santa Detail.
Volunteers take the two weekends before Christmas to make the annual good will tour through all South Carroll neighborhoods.
"We hit every street in every development, even though sometimes we have to double back," said Lt. Steve Anske.
Residents who didn't get a Santa visit last weekend can expect one Friday or Sunday.
"We started this as a neat public relations thing," Lieutenant Anske said. "This basically is for the neighborhoods to get to know us as volunteers."
The detail is also a chance to show off the two newest pieces of equipment, the enhanced pumper engine and ambulance, both purchased this year.
Minutes before the engine left, a breathless Chris Norris rushed into the fire hall.
"Santa had to work until 5 driving his private ambulance," said Mr. Norris as he removed his coat and unbuttoned his shirt.
After three years of playing Santa, Mr. Norris, 21, can get into costume, silver his dark eyebrows and attach a white beard nearly as quickly as he dons turnout gear.
"I volunteered for this job right from the beginning and now afull fledged into Santa," Mr. Norris said. "It really makes you smile the way people come running out to see us."
For each of his four excursions, Mr. Norris' only wish is for fair weather.
"Those 30 mph gusts can really get to you, if you ride on top of an engine for five hours," he said.
His 1994 wish list includes a warmer, thicker red suit. For now, thermal underwear, wool hiking socks and thick leather gloves insulate him against the cold.
Intermittent rain did little to dampen volunteer spirit or keep anyone from the parade Friday.
"We go all the time, just to get out into the community," said Jennifer Ridgely, Miss Sykesville Fire Prevention 1994. "We like to see the kids. Some even bring us cookies."
A spotlight captured Santa, seated about 12 feet off the ground atop the company's enhanced pumper engine. To a small child, he may have looked as if he were flying on a sleigh.
"He looks different than the one at the mall," Tim Bell, 6.
A string of colorful lights decked the engine's 75-foot ladder, the longest in the county, and a banner with "Sykesville" in blue letters hung from its side.
Several junior firefighters, dressed in Fire Department uniforms, rode in the parade and tossed candy canes to bystanders.
"These kids get to know every aspect of the Fire Department," said Debbie Buttrey, adviser to the 30 teen-agers who form the junior department. "They help out with the details, clean the equipment and get involved in public relations things."
The juniors also had made sure all appropriate gear was stored on the engines, in case an emergency call curtailed the festivities.
Carol Bell took charge of Tim and several other energetic children, who paced up and down the sidewalk until Santa rode into their neighborhood.
"I wait for this every year," Ms. Bell said. "It's like a miniparade and it really brings out the neighbors."
Laura Rhodes spotted the parade, parked her car and followed Santa into Piney Run Village.
"We like it more than the kids," Ms. Rhodes said. "It's a lot of fun having him come right here to us."
Children, bundled against the cold, huddled with their parents at several intersections.
"Neighbors began calling me back in October to find out when the detail would be here," said Kathy Janiga, whose husband drove one of the company engines.
Amber Campitelli, 4, had been stationed on her front porch for about an hour.
"I just wanted to see Santa again," she said. "I already gave him my list at the store."
In a voice of experience, 8-year-old Julia Schaffer advised Amber.
"Don't tell Santa that it's your second time," she said. "He might recognize you anyway."
Cameron Earls, 3, sat patiently on his father's shoulders and practiced his request.
"I want a big white race car," he shouted, as soon as he saw Santa. "Don't forget my address."
A few older children raced through the neighborhood behind the parade.
"I am a little out of breath," said Peter Stujak, 8, who acknowledged that he was gathering unclaimed candy canes.
Max Hungerman, 5, clutched his mother's hand and pointed to the engine.
"I want to ride on that with Santa," he pleaded.
The closest Max could get to his wish was a race to the sidewalk to retrieve a candy cane from one of the junior firefighters.
"See you next year," the little boy shouted as the line of engines moved onto the next neighborhood.
SANTA'S SCHEDULE
Here are the neighborhoods the Sykesville Freedom Fire Company's annual Santa Detail will visit.
* Friday, 6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Flanders, Clipper Hill, Hill Top, Brimfield, Bonnie Brae, Carrolltowne, Harvest Farms, Melstone Valley, Carroll Highlands.
* Sunday, 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Emerald Valley, Candlewicke, Rolling Hills, Bloomfield Manor, Gaither Apartments, Patapsco Estates, town of Sykesville, Sykesville Apartments.