Chain Gang (1)

Its beady, glowing eyes, sharp Spanish ibex horns and switch in hand should send children running. After all, Bavarian folklore says Krampus is a demon enslaved by St. Nicholas to remove bad children every Dec. 5. But for many kids — like the giggling youngster scooped up by a Krampus of Cleveland member at a recent Oktoberfest — the Christmas devil is more fun than frightening. "We're here to educate and have a good time," says Brian Karn, Krampus of Cleveland founder. Six or seven years ago, Karn and friends carved and painted the wooden tongue-out mask that now guards the bar at Der Braumeister Restaurant and Market. That's where the 10-to 11-member group has since hosted the Dec. 5 Krampus Rumpus as a fundraiser for Shoes and Clothes for Kids. The event mirrors Krampus Night in Europe, bringing back childhood memories for immigrants. "Their parents told them, "You better be good or the Krampus is going to get you,' " Karn says. "They didn't have the Elf on the Shelf back then." facebook.com/krampusofcleveland