Family fun awaits at Christmas on the Ridge

The Christmas season can get a little hectic at times with all of the hustle and bustle, endless list of gifts to purchase, and trying to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls in anticipation of the big day.

There will be a Christmas event that should help families relax and simply enjoy some time not worrying about bills, gift purchases and stringing lights on the house Clark Griswold style.

That event is Christmas on the Ridge, and it will take place Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harvest Ridge at the Holmes County Fairgrounds near Millersburg.

One thing about having Christmas on the Ridge at Harvest Ridge is the entire production can take place inside the massive confines of the Expo Center, meaning wind, rain or snow, everyone will be warm, dry and comfortable.

The event, now in its fourth year, will feature plenty of family-style fun.

At the top of the list is brunch with Santa and his elf, a breakfast designed for families to sit down with the Jolly Old Elf himself for a pancakes and sausage brunch, and kids can chat with Santa and his elf and have their picture taken.

“We’re excited to have Santa Claus himself join us for the day,” said Don Snow, Harvest Ridge manager.

While the guy with the red suit might be the main feature, it isn’t the only activity in town during the event.

There will be plenty of games and activities to keep the kids busy. They can expend some energy in the candy cane bounce house or work their way through the 40-foot obstacle course with a triple slide, courtesy of Game Craze.

Something new to the show this year will be the introduction of Kissel Amusement rides, something Harvest Ridge office manager Pat Martin said they are excited to add to the adventure. One of the rides will be a pirate ship ride, which Martin said is sure to be a winner.

“In the past we have never had either rides or bouncy houses, so it’s something we are eager to invest in for the kids that will enhance their fun,” Martin said.

If visitors don’t get their fill of brunch food, they can enjoy some other treats including cotton candy and popcorn.

“And don’t forget the games, where kids will receive candy and other prizes,” Martin said. “We will even have a specialty trailer for moms and dads that will be selling all kinds of flavored coffee, frappes and lattes.”

Martin said they had the coffee trailer at the recent rodeo and it was a huge hit.

An event of this magnitude takes a lot of support, and a list of sponsors made the day possible.

“One of the great things about this community is the way we all come together to make these special types of events possible,” Snow said. “That’s what makes this county so special, and we want to create something that will be a special memory for the families who come.”

The event is sponsored by Sycamore Run, Scenic Point Nursing Home, Oak Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Kimble Recycling & Disposal, Holmes County Dairy Boosters, Killbuck Savings Bank, Comfort Inn of Millersburg, Holmes Rental, Shreve Custom Meats, Commercial & Savings Bank, The Farm at Walnut Creek, PV Communications, Holiday Inn Express of Millersburg and Berlin Grande Hotel.

“We couldn’t put on a show of this magnitude without our wonderful sponsors,” Martin said. “We appreciate them so much, and we’re also grateful to our co-chairs Shari Oswalt and Danell Taylor and the many volunteers who came out and put this all together.”

She said the event has grown to such proportions that community businesses are calling them to ask how they can get involved and how they can help make it a special holiday treat for families.

Martin said they owe a huge debt of gratitude to Long Lake Park Campground and campers for donating toys that will be given away during the festivities.

“This is a community event where we just want people to show up and enjoy the day relaxing and having fun,” Martin said. “It’s a great family fun day that should get everyone into the Christmas mood.”

Don’t miss this Christmas extravaganza that will take place at Harvest Ridge, 8880 state Route 39, one mile west of Millersburg.