Santa Claus made several stops throughout Richland County this past weekend, and one of those stops was at Wade Gardens north of Bellville. Santa greeted owners Tom and Robyn Wade and sat in his favorite spot awaiting visits from boys and girls.
Two cousin, Olivia Butram and Rudi Dachenhaus journeyed from Napoleon, Ohio and were excited to see Santa and put in their requests.
“We come to Wade Gardens every year to get our tree, it’s been a family tradition now for over 25 years,” said Melinda Dachenhaus. She added, ”We spend the night at Mohican Lodge, visit family that live here locally and decorate trees together.”
Dachenhaus said the tradition involves brothers, aunts, cousins, parents and grandparents. The day’s activities included the purchase of four trees among family members. Over the next few days, the family planned to travel home to home, enjoying family meals and decorating trees.
According to Dachenhaus, Olivia Butram was putting in a request for an American Doll and Rudi Dachenhaus would like a Kindle Fire for Christmas.
Wade Garden’s gift shop is filled with holiday decorations and gifts.
Robyn Wade said, ”We try to be a unique gift shop and have things no one else has. We strive to promote and offer local, Ohio made products.”
New items at the gift shop this year according to Tom Wade are glass ornaments made in Canton, Volpino jewelry, scarfs, purses and a line of note cards made in Bellville by local resident and retired art teacher Joe Ellen Stevens.
“We are growing every day and always adding new products. We are a local, down home country shop and we promote local businesses. We support the local community just as they have supported us. We try to create a family atmosphere here. Everyone who visits is like family,” said Tom Wade.
While Santa visited with shoppers and children, visitors were served complimentary cider and cookies as they shopped.
Santa had a message for girls and boys across the county, ”Be good, study, don’t sneak and don’t peek.”
Wade Gardens is located at 3360 Possum Run Road in Bellville.
“We support the local community just as they have supported us. We try to create a family atmosphere here. Everyone who visits is like family,” said Tom Wade.
