Santa’s coming to Howell Farm

The farm gift shop, in the Visitor Center, will be open Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 4 through 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

   St. Nick, his elves and a jingling sleigh loaded with cookies, coal and holiday cheer will arrive at Howell Living History Farm on Dec. 1, highlighting an all-day program, “Christmas on the Farm.”
   St. Nick’s sleigh will descend from the farm’s northern slopes at 12:30 p.m. Its white-bearded navigator will check Christmas lists and give out treats (or coal, as the case may be) until 3 p.m.
   The celebration begins at 10:15 a.m., when children can climb aboard a horse-drawn work wagon for a ride to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree. All children will be given a chance to take a turn helping farmers cut the tree with a two-man saw. Afterwards, all visitors can help decorate the tree with ear corn, pinecones and other natural ornaments. Helpers will be treated to hot apple cider and cookies.
   A children’s craft program, “Wool Angel,” will be held from 11-3 p.m. Crafts take 20 minutes to complete and cost $2 each. Groups (eight or more) must preregister.
   Gift baskets, sleigh bells, wreaths and other items will be available for sale in the Visitor Center gift shop. Featured will be handmade gifts and ornaments crafted by the Pleasant Valley Stitchers. Howell Farm also is an official drop off site for Toys for Tots. Share the gift of giving by bringing an unwrapped toy to the farm.
   Farm hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec 1. The farm will be closed beginning Dec. 2 and will reopen Jan. 26. The farm gift shop, in the Visitor Center, will be open Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 4 through 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The 2008 Calendar of Events will be available beginning in early January.
   Howell Farm is located on Valley Road. Parking and admission are free. For more information, call 737-3299, or visit: www.howellfarm.org.