ONTARIO, Ohio — Video games, game consoles, new shoes and Frozen paraphernalia were all items Santa took note of on Saturday morning for the Richland Mall’s fifth annual Breakfast with Santa.
The event drew families of all ages to a dressed-up corner shop in the mall, close to the Avita Health System. The docket included breakfast, crafting, story time with Santa, and of course, one-on-one time with the bearded man from the North Pole.
Even the parents got a little something: a free poinsettia flower basket, along with the chance to win a $25 gift card for the mall.
“It’s part of the holidays now,” said Richland Mall General Manager Jodi Scott. “It gives the kids a chance for a one-on-one with him (Santa). And it’s just a special time.”
Families streamed in at 9 a.m. to be treated to a buffet-style breakfast, complete with egg soufflé, apples, donuts, cinnamon rolls, french toast, and juice.
As the families ate, a few began making balloon art. There was soon a line.
Scott said the breakfast with Santa event has become a holiday tradition for the mall. It started a number of years ago, then went on hiatus for a few years and with five consecutive years now, just started to become an annual tradition.
Scott herself has worked at the Richland Mall for a little over 10 years.
“The families love it. I love seeing all the families sit together, usually getting along,” she said with a laugh. “Here at this table you have three generations. That’s pretty cool.”
“And then, of course, there’s the magical moment when the kids see Santa.”
Santa paid a visit once the children had all eaten and most had their balloon hats and other festive figures festooned.
“Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse …” read Santa, as the children circled around him, legs crossed, eyes aglow.
When Santa finished the story, children were eager to let him know what they wanted for Christmas.
“I want handcuffs,” said 4-year-old Gavin Faith enthusiastically. “Yeah, I want to take my handcuffs up on the roof and have them on all the whole time.”
Jordan Clark, 8, said wants Super Mario Maker, the video game. Faith and Clark are neighbors and friends. They played together at their table with their balloon hats and erasers from the goodie bags that all the families received when signing into the event.
“We have fun with it,” said Scott as families joined their children in making ornaments.
If you missed it this year, there will be a chance to catch Breakfast with Santa next year. Call 419-529-5312 for details or visit the mall’s website.
