Photos: Christmas and snow blanket Altamont

“Santa’s here, Santa’s here!” screamed the children gathered by the train track in Altamont as Santa rolled into town, culminating the annual Victorian Holiday Celebration. Inside the boxcar, tots whispered their wishes to the jolly old elf.

Earlier on Sunday, animals reigned as George Pratt’s horse, Rebel, and Toby, the corgi, went nose to nose after Toby had his picture taken with Santa at Altamont Country Values. Pratt offered horse rides to young and old. Dressed for an ugly sweater party Annie, the beagle, wearing a Christmas-tree hat, poses with Santa for her picture.

Curious about the words to Christmas carols being sung at the Altamont Reformed Church during the living Nativity, a little girl, while wearing her warm rabbit-ear muffs and pink gloves, tries to open up the program so she can sing.

The Star of Bethlehem is held aloft by angel Natalie Drahzal as Steve Parker, Kenny Adams, and David Lasselle play the roles of the three wise men. Kelly Davey, portraying Mary, sings as she holds one of her twin sons, Thomas Person, during the live Nativity at the Altamont Reformed Church on Sunday. She quipped that his brother, Andrew, who was in the crowd, was the understudy for the role of Jesus.

Although a foot of new-fallen snow kept some away, those who attended the annual event, sponsored by Altamont Community Tradition, had a festive time in the winter wonderland.

More Guilderland News

  • The board’s unanimous Feb. 4 vote overturned a building permit issued for a fence running along a shared driveway between the historic Norman Vale home and property at 3 Norman Vale Lane.

  • After the meeting ended, the board’s president summed up for The Enterprise what she sees as the board’s view: “As a group, we believe what was presented to us was not balanced or equitable for our students,” she said. “We would like something absent student-facing recommendations and considering other ways.” Asked what those cuts might be, she said, “Administration.”

  • The town’s planner, Kenneth Kovalchik, recommended the PUD, citing ways in which the proposal follows recommendations of Guilderland’s recently updated comprehensive plan. Three people objecting to the proposal also cited the new comprehensive plan as they stated the importance of preserving the globally rare pine bush.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.