Buena Vista bank's elves share joy of Christmas

Back in 2019, Buena Vista National Bank started what it hoped would become a Chester tradition: Their employees dressed as elves, met up with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and made their way up and down the city streets handing out gift bags to all of the children who came out to greet them.

The pandemic prevented them from repeating this excursion in 2020, but they were back again this year.

On Dec. 6 and 7, the Buena Vista elves were out in force traveling the streets of Chester.

Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in a lighted sled pulled by a truck. The procession was led by a Chester police car, followed by a Chester firetruck. They let their horns and sirens roar as they approached each street. The residents along the way emerged from their warm houses to see old St. Nick and the busy elves who greeted each one with gift bags from the bank.

The elves walked nearly six miles the first night and covered another four or five miles the second night. With temperatures dipping into the low 30s, children and parents still braved the chill and ran to greet the troop. Social networks lit up with pictures and adults praised the kindness of the bank.

Buena Vista hopes others may consider joining in with them next year to help them spread the Christmas spirit.