ASHLAND — When Santa Claus visits Ashland later this week, he’ll be able to stay overnight once again, thanks to Ashland residents Mitch Johnson and Jake Moody.
The two have built a new version of Ashland’s iconic Santa House and positioned it at the corner of Claremont Avenue and Main Street in the city’s Corner Park.
“I remember going to the Santa house when I was a kid, and always wondered what happened to it,” said Johnson, 58.
He found the small red and white striped structure in the yard of a foreclosed property and learne he knew the people who were planning to purchase the land. He received permission to pick it up.
He measured the sides, and snapped a few pictures before attempting to lift the structure.
“It’s a good thing I did. It basically fell apart,” Johnson said.
He and Moody instead decided to build a new version of the house. They presented it to Ashland in the Christmas Parade earlier this month.
“The response was overwhelming from not only the kids, but the big kids (adults) too,” Johnson said.
It was placed in Corner Park the following week. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Santa House in Corner Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21.
“Someone made the comment the other day that I’m becoming known as Mr. Christmas,” Johnson said. “I don’t know about that. But it is my season, and I enjoy the heck out of doing this kind of thing.”
As the sponsor of Ashland Source's Life and Culture section, Brethren Care Village continues its commitment to enriching lives and promoting a vibrant community.
