The Culver City Police Officer’s Association’s annual Santa Sleight Ride will wrap up its 2015 city-wide tour this weekend.
Tonight, Santa and his helpers will fly to Fox Hills, Blanco Park and East El Marino Park from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 18, Santa and his team will visit Carlson Park from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 will see Jolly St. Nick at Lindberg Park from 5 to 9 p.m. And Santa Claus will end his 2015 tour Sunday, Dec. 20 in front of City Hall from 5 to 7 p.m.
In the early 1980s, members of the Culver City Police Officer’s Association wanted to host an event that would create goodwill between the police department and the community,” C.C.P.O.A. officials said. “The Santa Sleigh was born out of an idea that the goodwill Santa Claus builds transcends all races and religions.”
Since December 1984, the C.C.P.O.A. has escorted Santa, his Sleigh, and helpers around the city streets of Culver City making the Santa Sleigh a true, unique, and multi generational Culver City tradition.
Weeks before Santa’s big night out, Santa and his Sleigh are escorted, code three – lights and sirens, by the Culver City Police Department’s custom show truck, police cars, and motorcycles. The Sleigh is staffed by volunteers from the C.C.P.O.A., their families, and friends of the community; which is as much as a tradition as the Sleigh itself.
Donations needed
The operating costs associated with preparing/decorating the Sleigh, acquiring over 2,000 individual gifts, 4,000 candy canes, and providing more than 500 hours of elf power to properly staff the Sleigh each year is generously donated by the men and women of the Culver City Police Officer’s Association.
The Culver City Police Officer’s Association is seeking donations to help offset the cost associated with operating the Sleigh. For larger monetary donations, sponsorships, or gifts, contact Culvercitysantasleigh@gmail.com.