COLLINS CHAPEL – Santa will be riding something red into Collins Chapel Station No. 1 tonight, but it won’t be a sleigh.

Collins Chapel Fire Department will give Santa a ride in their annual fire truck Christmas parade, which has become a rural Chilton County tradition.

The fire trucks will leave about 5 p.m. to pick up the man in the red suit, and will return about 5:30 with lights flashing and sirens sounding.

“It’s a pretty neat deal,” Collins Chapel District Chief Mike Minor said. “It’s unusual, but everyone seems to have a good time with it.”

Preceding the parade, fire trucks and vehicles from around the county will be on display at the station, from 3-5 p.m. People are welcome to have a close-up look at the trucks and take pictures.

“Kids can get their pictures made with the fire trucks,” Minor said.

The display will include at least 15 trucks, and possibly more. The event gives people an educational glimpse of how fire trucks and equipment work.

Visitors are welcome to park around the fire station but should take note of the later starting time this year.

Santa will remain at the station to visit with kids until about 7 p.m. or later, depending on the attendance.

“Just come and have a good time,” Minor said.