MEDINA – Christmas may be seven months away, but many local families celebrated early when Castle Noel held its Santa Day celebration in Public Square May 13.

The day started with a parade of Santa Clauses and Mrs. Clauses marching from Castle Noel to the gazebo on the square as children and their parents watched. The jolly, old elves then took time for a photo opportunity at the gazebo and even talked with the children there before marching off to 15 different businesses on the square.

Dana Klaus owns Castle Noel along with her husband, Mark. She said she expects the success of this year’s Santa Day to echo in years to come.

“We did it two years ago on a much smaller capacity, but this will become an annual event that will grow every year,” she said.

The parade was only part of the day’s festive activities. The children and families in attendance were able to participate in a scavenger hunt in many of the stores on the square, each of which held a special Christmas-themed event for the day.

Several other activities for the kids also took place inside Castle Noel. Some of the Santas even led the children in other activities, such as holiday stories and sing-alongs. Many of the families also toured Castle Noel to view the museum’s large collection of holiday movie memorabilia.

While the idea of holding such an event in May might seem silly to some, Dana said the warmer weather was a big reason why Santa Day was scheduled for the time it took place. She said one of the biggest reasons Santa Day was created was to bring more visitors to Public Square.

“If we all work together and do well, we all thrive,” Dana said. “Medina Square is one of the most amazing places.”