Santa paid a visit to two Panther Valley communities on Sunday.

In the afternoon, he and Mrs. Claus rode on a float through Lansford, accompanied by apparatus from the Lansford Fire Department.

Later in the day, Santa rode on Summit Hill Fire Department’s aerial truck through that community.

In both towns, the firetrucks blew their sirens and Santa waved continuously to the youngsters who watched.

Generally, the visit by Santa in both towns is more personal. Changes had to be made for noncontact greetings because of COVID-19.

The Lansford parade was arranged by the Lansford Fire Department.

Fire Chief Joseph Greco said it was held in lieu of Operation Santa Claus during which Santa would deliver a gift to the homes of children. Operation Santa Claus has been held for the past 15 years.

Greco said, “We didn’t want to cancel the event altogether. We got together and felt that this was the best way to do it.”

Santa was played by Lenny Kovach and Mrs. Claus was Renee Slakoper. Santa’s helpers were Paula Nardini, Karen Vasiliou and Carl Vasiliou.

Kovach and Slakoper have been involved in Operation Santa Claus all 15 years.

In Summit Hill, the displaying of Santa on the ladder truck was arranged by the fire department.

The aerial traversed every street, siren wailing and Santa standing on top of the truck waving.