Perrysburg Pulse Magazine Perrysburg Pulse November | Page 2

SANTA CLAUS—AND SO MUCH MORE! —IS COMING TO TOWN ON DECEMBER 8TH T his time of year, many children enjoy watching the classic stop-motion animated film The Year Without a Santa Claus, but they may not enjoy it if life imitated art. That’s what would have happened if Rick and Dana Ruffner, the husband and wife duo behind the O-Deer Diner (the name is an acronym formed by the first initials of each member of the Ruffner family’s first name—“O” for daughter, Olivia; “D” for Dana; double “E” for daughters, Emma and Elle; and “R” for Rick) had not offered to take the reins of the annual Holiday Parade from its former organizers three years ago. “I grew-up in Perrysburg looking forward to the parade each year. I couldn’t let the tradition end,” Rick explains. Under the Ruffners’ control, the Holiday Parade is “more of an event than a parade.” Indeed, on Sunday, December 8th, Downtown Perrysburg will transform into a winter wonderland boasting free food and activities for every member of the family. Starting at noon, Perrysburg residents of all ages can view a live performance by local musical legend, Johnny Rodriguez. Children are welcome to pet and snap a picture with a real-life reindeer and take a ride on a trackless train. High school students will be on hand to help children write a letter to Santa Claus and ensure that they receive a reply. Families are encouraged to head to the Perrysburg School Board office (the Commodore School) where kids can play beanbag toss in the yard to win Marsha’s Buckeyes. Look out for a troupe of carolers strolling about belting seasonal classics! Lyrics about figgy pudding and chestnuts roasting on an open fire are bound to make attendees hungry. Not to worry— the Ruffners have thought of that too. Participating local restaurants will provide an array of free delectables. PerrysBurgers will be slinging mini hamburger sliders, Casa Barron will be brewing up Mexican hot chocolate with a candy cane for stirring, O-Deer Diner will be giving away mini ice cream cones, Welch Publishing is serving cookies, and Skotynsky Financial Group will be doling out donuts and cider. PHS Senior HailyWoods Wins Brand New Car! The parade begins at 2 p.m. and features four local high school marching bands and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus. This year’s Parade Grand 10th Year Holiday in a Row Marshal is American Legion Post Steve of organization’s 28. In Taylor honor of the Taylor Hyundai centennial anniversary, local members will ride on the Taylor Gives Brand New Hyundai of Perrysburg Hyundai to PHS trolley. The trolley is far from Taylor Senior Hyundai’s only the contribution. This year marks 10th year Mr. Steve Taylor’s dealership—as well-known for Taylor has given a graduating senior a brand new vehicle as ace part team—is of their integral its altruism as its Driven to Succeed Program. to Perrysburg’s Holiday Parade. PHS senior Hailey Woods was the “Rick and I organize everything and winner of a brand new 2019 Hyundai do the legwork, Automotive Elantra “I feel amazing! I but can’t Taylor believe it,” is the sponsor,” Hailey said major after the key she put Dana into the explains. ignition and started the car. Hailey's key “We can’t thank Steve Taylor enough. was one of three that started the vehicle. Steve Taylor, right, with Hailey Woods and her new 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The parade would not exist without The giveaway took place at Taylor adds Rick. Perrysburg Hyundai,” High School on their last day of the school. The names After parade, Santa of will 10 be students were chosen randomly. All available to pose for free pictures with were given envelopes to open, and the little ones and three received keys Rick in and their Dana will begin planning next year’s envelopes. Those three each got into festivities. a car and the student whose key started Coordinating such an elaborate their car wins! event is a lot of work, but the way Steve Taylor said “We’re locally Rick sees it, “someone did it for owned and locally committed, so this is me I when I was a kid. way The for parade great. love it. It’s a wonderful business, and we us stimulates to give back, and it helps motivate the truly enjoy students as they move to the organizing this on for the next community.” phase of their lives.” Hailey Woods poses with her friends in front of her new 2019 Hyundai Elantra. HYUNDAI OF PERRYSBURG Locally Owned, Locally Committed. 12681 Eckel Junction Road Perrysburg, OH 43551 www.TaylorHyundaiPerrysburg.com