CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — No one expected a huge turnout at the first North Plaza Christmas Village hosted by North Plaza Hotels, which includes the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Fairfield by Marriott, Christopher Inn and Suites, and Quality by Choice Hotels.
On Sunday, guests walked or rode the bus to each hotel where they enjoyed activities in Santa’s Workshop, at Whoville with the Grinch and in Candy Land.
Before the event, Manager Katrina Horsely, left a note for her staff saying, “Volunteers meet at 4:00 p.m. to be placed at your stations. I’ve heard it’s getting a lot of traction.” At this point, Facebook interests were at 694 people.
The Front Desk Representative, Annie Wood, was excited to get off her shift at 5 p.m. and, “run home and get my kids back here for the fun.”
Hundreds of Santa and Grinch fans strolled along the route and that took a lot of orchestration from several volunteers. According to Santa’s elf, “The employees and their family members came to volunteer their time.”
There was something for everyone. On food truck lane, several types of cuisine was available. Among the favorites were Hogs-n-Hunnies BBQ, Taco Mania, and Anchor House Rolling Bistro. Children of all ages made Christmas crafts, played reindeer games, visited Santa and Mrs. Claus and ate cotton candy in Candy Land. Kids received tons of candies and other goodies for free.
At Santa’s Workshop, they were collecting non-perishable food and toy donations that will be given to locals for the holiday. Participants who donated were entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of a family stay with overnight fun at one of the hotels.