Santa Claus dropped by Alexandria early this year, swapping his well known sleigh and reindeer for a steam-powered antique fire engine to raise money for Alexandria Firefighters Helping Hands Relief Fund.
    
If it wasn’t actually the big man from the North Pole, then paramedic Chip Meyers did a pretty good job portraying the Christmas icon outside Prince Street’s historic fire station. For a $10 donation, children can get their photo taken with Santa Claus sitting astride an Amoskeag Steamer Engine, built in 1863 and preserved by Alexandria’s Fire Department, said firefighter Anthony Small. 
    
It’s something we kept onto and kept up. It gives people a chance to see the history of firefighters and help us remember all those who have come before, Small said. It’s a testament to the people who kept it in working order. It’s pretty cool to see.
    
The fundraiser benefits men and women in the public service industry who have fallen on hard times, Small said. The annual event is usually held closer to the Christmas holiday, but scheduling conflicts forced them to move it back this year, he said. 
    
Still, families can get their photo with Santa Saturday, Sunday and again on December 5.