Dickens Street Faire Kick Starts the Holiday Season

The Cosumnes Fire Department rescued Santa Claus Saturday morning at the 24th Annual Dickens Street Fair in Old Town Elk Grove.

Children laughed and cheered for Santa, who was stuck on the roof of the E.G. Lock and Safe Co. building after his reindeer abandoned him. The Cosumnes Fire Department put on a show for the crowd as they made several failed attempts to rescue Santa before using the big ladder from a fire truck.

“This is one of the greatest events in Elk Grove,” Elk Grove Mayor Steve Detrick said. “It’s an old tradition and kick off of the holiday season.”

The event featured a variety of vendors, while encouraging the community to shop at local small businesses. There were also plenty of food booths to choose from.

Susan Lyons from Embellish, a boutique in Old Town, said the Dickens Street Faire is a good way to get new people to the store.

“I think it’s important for the community to get involved and have something to do in the spirit of Christmas,” Lyons said. “And it’s definitely good for business.”

In addition to shopping, the faire had different activities and entertainment available for attendees. There were two performance stages, a petting zoo, pony rides, carriage rides and even 15 tons of snow brought in for families to play in. But the biggest superstar at the event was Santa Claus.

“My son couldn’t keep his eyes off of the fire trucks and Santa,” Elk Grove resident Lisa Levasseur said.

Levasseur also said that her children loved playing in the snow.

“We have four kids and two grandkids, and we came to see Santa on the roof,” Elk Grove resident Phillip Brown said. “It’s nice to see a real nice community event for the holidays.”

The morning had a large turnout, and Detrick said 10,000 people typically attend the event each year.