Santa set to attend tree-lighting despite official ban
Firefighters in Maryland say they're going to take Santa to a town's Christmas tree lighting - even though he's been banned.
Kensington town council banned Santa because some residents complained he had no place at a non-religious event.
Volunteers with Kensington fire department say they'll bring him on their engine despite the ban.
Mayor Lynn Raufaste says: "I know he's coming. I know the fire department is bringing him. What happens after that, I don't know."
"We're not a part of town government, so we can sort of do what we want," says Mike Kelly, the fire department's administrative officer. "We're doing this with the blessing of the Mayor."
Traditionally, Santa helps the Mayor to turn on the lights.
Since the story broke, the council has received more than 2,000 e-mail messages criticising its decision.
One correspondent even said he would dress up as Santa and ride into town on a motorcycle.
