Depot Park was abuzz with holiday spirit and family activities on December 3, when the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce and its members celebrated the annual Merry on Main festival.

At 11:00 a.m. activities kicked off with the arrival of Santa Claus and his Ada Police Department escort, accompanied by winds that made the village feel a little bit like the North Pole, minus the snow. Santa met with children in the red caboose “Pennsylvania 477779.” Ada Lions and chamber “elves” passed out some 12 dozen cookies, while photographer Ashley Stuart of Ashley Ray Photography (www.AshleyRay.com) took family photos with Santa.

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Meanwhile a large crowd gathered outside the depot for a series of dance performances by students from Let’s Dance Ada and Studio 419. Solo and group performances were accompanied by contemporary and classic Christmas songs.

On the grass nearby, U.S. Bank provided bowling and “fowling” for bigs and littles with prizes.

Visitors warmed up inside the Depot where toasty food and drink, as well as activities were on offer. Circle U Waffle Company was cooking up waffle “lollies” with several toppings to choose from. Kan Du Group Inc. helped children write letters to Santa and will help Santa provide a response by mail. Students from Ohio Northern’s Dicke College of Business did face painting.