Santa Claus made a stop at the Chestnuthill Township Park building on Friday night, and he beat the rush-hour traffic with help from the West End Fire Company.

"It's about community, giving back," West End Park & Open Spaces Commission executive director Bernie Kozen said. "We've been doing it for about eight years now. We try to have one event a month, free for the community, whether it's a Santa visit or an Easter egg hunt, trick or treat, or making crafts. So it's always something fun to give back to the community and have a good time."

Hosted by the WEP&OSC, the event started with holiday music from Bob Vanderheyden on guitar, Frank Zini on acoustic guitar, Ken Chiusano on bass, Mike Hrichak on drums, and Stacy Halliday handling vocals. Kids and parents filled up the building just moments before the West End Fire Company dropped him off, sirens blaring to announce his arrival.

Children young and old got a chance to sit on St. Nick's lap for family photos and gift requests, and Santa had a little gift bag for each and every one.

Christmas cookies and hot chocolate made for some festive refreshments as the band played on during Santa's shift. In the spirit of giving, food donations were accepted for the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network, and gifts donations were open to benefit Toys For Tots.

Of course, the man in red was the star of the show, with a long line of kids waiting to see the holiday legend.

"It was awesome!" Sabrina Stephani, age 8, said.