It has flashing lights and belches smoke. Actually it's flour, from a fifty-pound fire extinguisher strapped to my chest and tubed into the dragon's mouth. Behind me, the radio reporter carried a car battery that powers the lights and sound. Now they're an oriental sounding piece, interrupted by roars. There's Santa with sirens and flashing lights on top of the fire engine, and The Salvation Army nativity tableau on a flat bed truck.
Children run up and down with sparklers and fire crackers.
Overall the effect is a cross between Chinese New Year and a chimney fire in Bethlehem. Afterwards we went to the museum to see the toy train exhibit, sing carols and eat cookies. The Cub Scouts cut Christmas trees for sale and stood them in the snow banks at Mountain Market. Over Lattes and hot cocoa we picked our tree. Fireman Al Badgley was the narrator and the elementary School Principal, Mr. Wicks, sang the King's solo.