Since 1985, Santa’s Castle has o?ered a little piece of North Pole magic to Owen County’s children. Originally this Homemaker fundraiser was to raise money for underfunded children’s projects in the area, but now Santa’s Castle is one of the county’s most anticipated events of the year.

The idea is simple - allow children in Owen County to shop for Christmas presents for their families at an a?ordable price. Originally, for just $5, children could pick out ?ve gifts and take them home already wrapped to put under the tree. Within the last decade, the Owen County Homemakers have increased the number of gifts to seven per child without increasing the entry fee of $5. Owen County Homemaker Dawn Davis explains, “Families are larger these days and we see more blended families so this helps put more gifts from the children under the tree.”

“Santa’s Castle is an important piece of the fabric of our community. The economy is hard and Christmas time can be harder. This program provides a positive resource for kids that is accessible across the community,” explains Homemaker Alea Hubbard. “Few families can take their kids to the store and let them pick out whatever seven gifts they want without breaking the bank. But many families can take their kids to Santa’s Castle for just $5 per kid.”

The shopping experience has been thoroughly planned and tweaked over the years. Children ages 3-12 enter through the magical castle entrance and are greeted with tables full of handmade items, toys, candles, books, games, mugs, candy, and more! With a designated shopping elf by their side, children meticulously shop, taking their list and checking it twice. Once they’ve selected gifts for the lucky recipients on their Christmas lists, they are able to go to a wrapping station with a volunteer eagerly waiting to help wrap each gift. The gifts are labeled so they are under-the-tree ready as soon as the children leave.  

The excitement is electric and contagious as children exit the shopping hub. Local mom, Megan Babik explains, “I love how excited the kids are about doing their own shopping. Santa’s Castle lets my kids have complete control of the gift they are giving rather than me doing the shopping and putting their name on the tag. My kids love to give gifts and this allows them to choose something special.”  

With nearly 200 children coming through Santa’s Castle, the success of the event heavily relies on community volunteers.  There are many ways to get involved and it really does take a lot of people behind the scenes and on the day of the event. More hands make merrier work!  

Preparing for Santa’s Castle takes place throughout the year as collections are made of homemade gifts, trinkets, treasures, and more to create a one-of-a-kind shop.  

As the event draws closer, the Homemakers begin preparations for a visit from Santa Claus, making bags and wrapping products, creating advertisements, and working through logistics. The week of the event, the Homemakers set up the shop and organizing the shopping experience. The goal is to create a magical experience for the children, year after year.

“It’s important to note that this is a generational event,” says Davis. “My mom was active with Santa’s Castle and I watched the time she put into making quilted pillows and decorating for the event. I love to shop deal and clearance racks year-round, so I keep a tote at home speci?cally for items to donate for Santa’s Castle. And now, my daughter is involved as a shopping helper and decorator.”  

Even the children who have aged out of shopping at Santa’s Castle are welcomed back to volunteer. Since the proceeds are now being used primarily as a scholarship fund, it is encouraged that middle and high schoolers get involved. “Not only will they get to continue in the magic they experienced as children, but they can earn volunteer hours for school, and one day may even be the recipient of this scholarship!”

Volunteering can be easy and anyone in Owen County is welcome to help. The biggest need throughout the year is the collection and donation of new or gently-used/good condition items for the family. The shopping lists range from newborn siblings to great-grandparents so a variety of donations is always appreciated. Davis recommends collecting items in a tote and bringing them up closer to the event, with your name clearly marked on the tote for easy collection.  

Hubbard details how she gives back, “After birthdays and holidays, I go through my kids’ toys and pull out the ones they have never played with or have outgrown. If a toy is in good condition, I take it to Santa’s Castle. I know it’s going to a good home and it’s not being wasted as s dust collector at my house!”

Aside from donations, help with set-up and tear-down is always welcome. It takes about two days to set up for the two-hour event. Tear down doesn’t take nearly as long.

On the day of, door greeters, list makers, shopping buddies, money collectors, and gift wrappers can be in short supply. Anyone looking to volunteer can contact the Owen County Extension O?ce.

Santa’s Castle has kept the same traditions alive for nearly forty years, with only a few minor tweaks to accommodate growing families and community needs. All are invited to attend this year’s Santa’s Castle and experience just a little North Pole Magic in Owenton.