PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SANTA … Children pose for photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus inside the Canfield Cabin during Christmas at the Cabin.
GRINCH … A holiday-themed scene, featuring the Grinch in jail, drew attention from children attending this year’s Christmas at the Cabin.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Christmas at the Cabin returned to the Fulton County Fairgrounds on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, welcoming families from across the area for two days of holiday activities during the event’s fifth year.
The free community event offered visitors an opportunity to experience the sights and traditions of the season across several historic buildings on the fairgrounds.
Families were able to go to the Canfield Cabin, where children met Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and shared in the excitement of the holiday season.
Nearby, the Reighard Blacksmith Shop drew steady crowds as blacksmiths worked at the forge, answered questions, and hosted Christmas-themed trivia. Guests also received small bells as they exited the shop.
Additional stops included the sheriff’s building, where visitors encountered the Grinch sitting in the jail, adding a playful twist to the evening.
The Junior Fair Building served as a central hub for the event, featuring the Elf Workshop with free hot chocolate, popcorn, and a variety of hands-on activities organized by local community groups and businesses.
A train display was also set up inside the building, drawing interest from children and adults alike, and a petting zoo was available for families on Friday night.
Judy Warncke, a member of the original planning committee, said the event was designed to give everyone in the community a chance to enjoy the holidays together.
“Tonight is a chance for everybody to enjoy the Christmas season,” Warncke said. Warncke also explained that the event began five years ago as an effort to create a meaningful Christmas activity for the community.
While the first year included an admission fee, growing sponsor support has allowed organizers to offer the event at no cost to families.
Attendance has continued to grow each year despite competing holiday events throughout the region, with organizers noting increased participation and positive feedback from families.
Saturday morning activities included breakfast with Buddy the Elf, offered by free will donation, along with additional opportunities to meet the Grinch and the Gingerbread Man.
Event hours ran from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Organizers said they hope to bring Christmas at the Cabin back again next year, continuing the tradition of creating accessible holiday memories for Fulton County families.
Christmas at the Cabin is presented annually by the Museum of Fulton County in partnership with OhioMeansJobs Fulton County, the Fulton County Visitors Bureau, Worthington Steel, and several other local organizations and businesses.
Organizers noted that continued sponsor support is essential to keeping the event free in future years.