MATTAPOISETT — A caravan of Mattapoisett Fire Department vehicles drove through the town village — lights on, horns blaring.

The convoy turned into the wharf, where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and elves disembarked, marking the group’s arrival to the holiday gathering Saturday, Dec. 14 at Shipyard Park.

Firefighter Amanda McCann rode with Santa and Mrs. Claus. She sat on the side of the truck as it drove in, beside the guests of honor.

“It was great,” McCann said. “Santa and Mrs. Claus are the best. They said I was very good this year.”

Under the waterside park’s gazebo, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School students performed holiday songs.

Music teacher Richard Laprise called for a guest conductor to help lead “Jingle Bells.” The volunteer was 8-year-old Elliot Nashold. He had never conducted before.

“It was good,” he said afterwards.

A Christmas tree with painted buoys for ornaments stood near the front of the grounds. Nashold said his class at Center School painted one of them. 

Mattapoisett resident Pat Donoghue said the buoy tree was “different” and “really nice.”

Buoys depicted winter imagery, like Christmas lights, candy canes, snowmen and gingerbread men. Others bore insignias of different town groups, departments and organizations.

“I just think this is a really good idea,” Donoghue said.

A line for food and hot chocolate stretched halfway across the park. Under a tent, Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for pictures. Frosty and Rudolph stood outside. The elves circulated.

“I think this is wonderful, and the kids are enjoying it,” Donoghue said.