Snakes In A Firehouse? Christmas Party For Kids Gives Them A Close-Up Look At Unusual Critters

Members of Empire Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 of the opened their doors to neighborhood children recently for a pre-Christmas holiday party.

Not only did the kids get a chance to see Santa arrive at the firehouse on North Broadway in Upper Nyack by fire truck, but they also got to meet a variety of wild critters — including a really big snake — at the party.

Members of the all-volunteer fire department said the children's party at Empire Hook and Ladder is a local tradition. Not only is the party open to children of families in the fire department, but it's open to all neighborhood children.

Firefighters said their annual Christmas tree sale and a fundraising raffle pay for the party every year.

While the kids were happy to see Santa, the party featured a visit by many different unusual creatures brought by Nicole of Outragehisss Pets in Chestnut Ridge. The children spent some quality time with all sorts of animals big and small — including the really long snake.