Bowie Annual Santa Run And Food Drive 2019: Start Date, Info

BOWIE, MD — Santa Claus is coming to town ... on a bright red fire truck in Bowie.

The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department will kick off its annual Santa Ride and Food Drive on Sunday, Dec. 8. The Santa runs will continue through Dec. 18.

"Our Volunteers look forward to visiting the communities we serve for this Bowie holiday tradition," according to the BVFD website. "Santa will be out touring Bowie from atop one of our fire engines each evening starting at 6:30 p.m. Please keep an ear out for the approaching sirens and be ready to greet him. We ask that everyone stay on the curb or sidewalk for safety as our apparatus pass by."

Volunteers will collect canned goods and dry goods to support the Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry this year, so be sure to bring those with you. Last year, the fire department delivered 17 carts of supplies to the pantry. A vehicle following the fire engine will collect the donations.

More information is available on the BVFD website.

Santa runs have become a tradition at many area fire departments. They decorate the engines with lights and other decorations, and then they escort Santa Claus through the surrounding area on a nightly basis up until shortly before Christmas.

These visits are often highly variable depending on weather conditions. You'll need to monitor their Facebook page to make sure everything is on track.

Santa's fire truck rides are a popular event enjoyed across the country and throughout the D.C. area. In Northern Virginia alone there are plenty of fire departments that do it, including in Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, and elsewhere. Volunteer fire departments typically hold the events as a way to build community and spread a little holiday fun in the process. If you're curious about how you can get involved, contact your local fire department.