Last year I honestly thought there was a major fire or a crime in the area -- we had NO idea what was happening, and this thing is LOUD and we had not heard it in the previous apartment, so I assumed one of the houses further down the road was on fire.

This time they chased my brother on his bicycle as he was returning home, so he knew what was happening, but still. The sound goes on for about a half hour, and until you see Santa -- and he's hidden by the fire truck and by the two cop cars -- you have no idea WHAT'S going on.

I understand that they have to siren to get drivers out of the way - Santa goes about five miles an hour and by the time he goes by it's dark.

On the other hand the little kids are still happy, so I guess that's something.

And ARRRGH on your story.