Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
“Want to take my picture?” Dancer seems to be saying.

He and Prancer (background) were a hit at Merry on Main on Monday evening in downtown Ada. The annual Chamber of Commerce “shop local” event drew a crowd of mostly children with their parents to see the live reindeer and the Grinch at the Railroad Depot and Santa at the Ada Public Library. 

Outside the Ada First United Methodist Church, a choir sang and passers-by could view a live nativity scene. Those stopping at the Depot enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts, as well.

Dancer and Prancer are among 10 reindeer from Pine Acres Reindeer Farm in Larue, Ohio. They were purchased two years ago as babies from the University of Fairbanks.

When not traveling prior to Christmas, the reindeer are studied at Pine Acres for how they adjust to climate change. Reindeer are related to caribou, not the white-tailed deer who live in this area.