North Tonawanda boy becomes Santa’s Helper

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, September 6, 2007

Santa Claus meets his new helper, Brandon Stone of North Tonawanda, at The Summit mall last week. Brandon won a contest to choose Santa’s helper, who will ride with him in his sleigh during the Niagara Electric Lights Parade on Nov. 10. (photo by Larry Austin)

Seven-year-old Brandon Stone from North Tonawanda is the winner of the Santa’s Helper contest and will ride with Santa and his reindeer in this year’s Niagara Electric Lights Parade.

The youngster’s name was picked during a contest drawing on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at The Summit mall in Wheatfield, where approximately 40 youngsters gathered with their parents for the opportunity to meet Santa, pet a live reindeer, and hope to be picked as the official Santa’s Helper.

Brandon, who lives on Errick Road in Wheatfield, is a student at Errick Road Elementary School and is the son of Chris and Carolyn Stone. He will ride with Santa Claus in this year’s Niagara Electric Lights Parade, scheduled for Nov. 10 along Military Road in the Town of Niagara. The parade, sponsored by BFI, begins at 5 p.m. and will be preceded by a fireworks display.

Last year’s second annual parade included more than 70 marching units and floats and drew thousands of spectators.

Ayden Anguiano, 20 months old, checks out a live reindeer at The Summit mall last Wednesday. Ayden and his mother, Amber McElroy, were there for a drawing to select Santa’s helper for the Niagara Electric Lights Parade and had a chance to meet St. Nick and one of his reindeer. (photo by Larry Austin)