West Hempfield Fire & Rescue (WHFR), 3476 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, will host its first Saturday with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7. The community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it will include a variety of holiday activities for children, craft vendors and information about common wintertime fire safety hazards and how to avoid them.

Admission for Saturday with Santa will be free, but guests may donate to WHFR at the door; donations will be accepted exclusively through a digital application by scanning a code. During the event, WHFR will serve complimentary refreshments such as cookies and fruit juice.

Children may participate in a variety of seasonal activities such as a crafting station to make their own snowflakes, which kids may take home or hang on WHFR's Christmas tree. Other activities will include writing and mailing a letter to the North Pole and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Each child who visits jolly Saint Nick will receive a small gift such as a candy cane, as well as a voucher for one of several prize drawings. Prize drawing categories will include items for infants, boys and girls between 2 and 7 years old and kids age 8 and older. Prize drawing winners may also choose an item from a bin of sensory-friendly toys.

Craft vendors will have various goods available to purchase, including crocheted items, home decor, custom shirts, keychains and 3D printed items. Some vendors will also offer make-your-own items such as holiday terrariums and snowmen crafts.

Although Saturday with Santa will not primarily focus on fire safety education - which played a large role in WHFR's community open house in September - a member of the fire company will hand out informational brochures and speak about fire safety practices during the holiday season. The brochures and presentation will cover topics such as hanging lights and decorations safely, as well as keeping Christmas trees watered to prevent them from becoming dry and flammable.

"We're trying to get back out there in the community and show them we're here for everything," said Tara Moyer, WHFR's public relations manager. "We want people to see us in other situations, not just when it's an emergency. And who doesn't love spreading Christmas cheer and taking a picture with Santa?"

WHFR previously held a Breakfast with Santa event, but this is the first large-scale community Christmas celebration ever organized at the fire station. Proceeds will benefit the fire company and help cover its operating expenses, as well as the cost of gear for new members and equipment maintenance.

For more information, search for "West Hempfield Fire/Rescue" on Facebook.