The Ohio University Inn & Conference Center is hosting its annual “Breakfast with Santa” event Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event provides delicious food, festive games and crafts, a bounce house and a photo with Santa.
The OU Inn located at 331 Richland Ave. hosts the festive event, including a BOGO deal. A $20 adult ticket includes one free children’s ticket. The $20 ticket includes taxes and service charges for service staff. An additional children’s ticket is $10. The event will be held in the upstairs ballroom.
According to Kate Vest, director of operations of OU Inn, families return each year for “Breakfast with Santa.” She adds aspects of the event may look a little different this year.
“We are deciding to do more games with the kids this year,” Vest said. She mentions Santa limbo, bowling and a bounce house.
In terms of breakfast, there will be a pancake station and a chance for kids to decorate their own donuts as well as typical breakfast items including sausage and bacon for guests to choose from.
Families in Athens return every year to come back to the event, making it a holiday tradition. According to Vest, there are around 30 families who like to return year after year.
As for the preparation of the event, the OU Inn plans well in advance.
“We booked our Santa before Halloween, so I would say we start a couple of months out," Vest said.
Purchasing decorations begins around early October. Decorating the upstairs ballroom also takes days in advance to coordinate.
Nicole Essman, OU Inn’s HR manager, described the event as being pretty phenomenal.
“It feels like a tradition to us going into our sixth or seventh year,” Vest said. “(Breakfast with Santa) is a good time for us to have community involvement. Although we’re a hotel for visitors, we still like to be involved in with our locals.”
She also said a lot of parents in the community really look forward to the event because of Santa’s appearance at the event.
The Santa’s wife also plays Mrs. Claus at the event.
Along with event preparations, The OU Inn created a Facebook post for the event where guests can RSVP or ask questions. 154 people responded to the post by responding “Interested,” and 10 people responded with “Going.”
“Breakfast with Santa” plans to give cheer to Athens families and provide a festive atmosphere to all who attend. From decorating donuts to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the event brings holiday cheer as well as offers a new Christmas tradition for families.
