Reindeer train, camel rides highlight Christmas on The FFArm
Dec. 2—A pair of events hosted by Crater FFA students will kick off this weekend and offer every sort of holiday fun imaginable, from visits with Santa to Christmas tree sales, face painting and close encounters with a host of friendly critters.
Christmas At The FFArm & Live Nativity, two annual favorites for Crater students, is set for the next two weekends: Dec. 3-4 and 10-11.
The farm event, with a Dr. Seuss-worthy "Whoville" theme, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, closing an hour earlier Dec. 11.
In addition to a Christmas tree lot, the two-weekend event will include crafting areas, visits with Santa Claus, a petting zoo, face painting and the FFA program's well-traveled little reindeer train.
Trees on the tree lot, a fundraiser for the FFA programs and community outreach, will range from $50 to $150.
Tickets for kids activities will be on sale — $15 each for the first two children and $10 for additional children.
In between the two weekend events, the annual Live Nativity will feature actors, live camels and a student-led effort to collect socks and underwear for local children served by various social service agencies.
The camels will swoop in days before the second weekend of farm fun to take part in the second event, the FFA sponsored "Live Nativity," from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7-8.
Spectators can come check out the nativity scene, drive by or stop for a few and donate socks and underwear (new and unopened) for children served by local social service agencies.
Camels will return the final weekend for in-person visits and rides for an extra fee.
Crater FFA Vice President Haylie Jones said the events would offer all things Christmas for local families.
"People love the camels. We've been doing them for a few years now, and it's pretty fun. We have the petting zoo and face painting. It's all just a lot of fun," she said.
"It's a fundraiser for FFA to help provide money for future trips coming up, like state convention, but also to pay for events like this one, so that we can give back to the community that supports us so much."
She added, "We couldn't do all that we do without the community we have around us. We're very thankful for that."
All events will be at the Crater Land Lab, 5040 Upton Road.
Follow signs for parking and to see the nativity.
For more info, see facebook.com/events/806990813683385/806990823683384/
Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or bpollock@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.
