By Diane Smith
Record-Courier staff writer
At age 11, Brandon Vandal believed he was too old to visit Santa.
But with a bit of prodding from his aunt and uncle, as well as the jolly old elf himself, he was persuaded to join his sisters, Alexa, 9, and Katelyn, 7, in a photo.
Carolyn and Anthony Matejka of Ravenna, who make Midnight Madness an annual tradition, brought their nieces and nephew, who were visiting from Medina, to downtown Ravenna this year. Anthony said the group was headed to the carriage rides after the visit to Santa.
“We never miss it every year,” he said. His wife added, “It’s free candy. What more could a kid want?”
Despite the chill in the weather, people lined up to take rides through downtown in a railroad car, provided by the M&M Railroad, and horse-drawn carriage rides, provided by Reder family of Lake Milton.
They also strolled through downtown shops, some of which stayed open until midnight.
Jack Ferguson, director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce, said he thought the snow flurries added “atmosphere” to the event and the lighted images cast on businesses were “a nice touch.”
The Balloon A-Fair lighted Christmas parade is tonight, and Ferguson said next year, the two events will be combined for the first time.
At House of Holiday Ornaments, families toured the rooms of collectable items. One child was heard to exclaim, “All I have to do is lose two teeth and get $10 and I can buy that.”
Barb Burner, owner of the business, said young and old visitors have been delighted by the motorized “circus,” a lighted village of mobile displays set up along the floor of the first room.
“We’ve seen many families we haven’t seen since last year,” she said.
The gift shop sells candles and collectable items as well as seasonal fare.
Judy Logan of Ravenna brought her granddaughters, Alaynah, 3, and Arystah, 5, who were delighted by the circus.
“It’s just like going to the fair,” she said.