Santa Arrives In Beaumont Today For '22-Mile Goodwill Tour'

Old Saint Nick will park his sleigh and hop aboard a fire truck in Beaumont today for a 22-mile goodwill tour through the city, complete with police escorts.

"Operation Santa" is scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m. at the Beaumont police station. The holiday ride will entail a circuit through residential areas, including Oak Valley Greens, Seneca Springs, Sundance and Three Rings Ranch, according to organizers.

The goal is to spread holiday cheer and give kids a chance to visit with Kris Kringle while meeting some of the city's public safety officials. Families will also be encouraged to participate in local charities serving the needy this Christmas, organizers said.

"While traveling through Beaumont, Santa will collect canned and non- perishable food for the Winter Wish Food Drive," according to a city statement.

Santa's journey will be announced with lights and sirens and include two stops at the south and north ends of the city. The first stop will be in the Walmart parking lot, 1540 E. 2nd St., and the second will be outside Stater Bros supermarket, 1430 Oak Valley Parkway.

More information, including a map of the route, is available at the city's website: www.BeaumontCares.com. --City News Service