Kringle's Inventionasium sets record for visitors at Tower City

CLEVELAND - In six years, Kringle's Inventionasium has quickly become a holiday favorite among families in the Cleveland area.

This season, an estimated 20,000 people went on the 35-minute, high-energy, interactive tour inside Tower City. That was the most ever for the attraction, which runs from Black Friday to Dec. 23.  Last year, 17,000 visitors came to the Inventionasium.

Jimmy Langa, one of the founders, said he was inspired by Walt Disney and The Muppets to create something unique and spectacular.

"We decided Cleveland needed something original that no one else in the country had to put it on the map," Langa said.

The attraction features many colorful characters who work for Mr. Kringle. They dress children in white, lab coats and encourage them to use their imagination while testing and developing toys. The kids also love it when they work on a project making snow.

"I think getting people to do and use their creative thought into cultivating artistic expression is important for today's youth," Langa said.

Langa, 29, of Broadview Heights, freely admits he's just a big kid.

"I'm a big Christmas nut and I love making people happy," Langa said.

The tour ends after the kids pay a visit to Kringle's private office, sit on his lap and share their Christmas lists.

Kringle's Inventionasium will return on Black Friday, 2013. The Toy Shoppe, also located inside Tower City, is open year round.