Christmas on the Farm once again delights visitors

Charlie got a lot of attention from his friends Margaret Doran, left; and Amanda Beety.

It was a magical afternoon and a first for two-year-old Scottie Pettit who joined her family at Christmas on the Farm on Sunday.

She gently pet Ginger the pony and went for her first ever ride on horseback.

“I grew up on a farm and I’m trying to get the kids involved,” said Scottie’s father Austin.

It’s the second year that Sarah Parks Horsemanship in Malden Centre hosted the event in co-operation with the Windsor Parade Corporation and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

“We had a great response from the community and it’s a way to jump into the holiday season,” said Parks.

Although the weather was a bit blustery this past weekend it did not stop visitors from enjoying pony rides, hot chocolate, entertainment, making ornaments and of course, stopping in for a chat with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

“A lot of people are in awe. They like them (horses) and a lot of them are excited,” said Parks’ instructor Felicia Fox of Amherstburg.

Fox has been coming to the farm since she was six and is now an instructor. She says some guests at Christmas on the Farm may not be aware of the difference between a pony and a horse. She explained that it is usually determined by the height of the animal.

While on the subject of animals, the unofficial greeters this year were Flub-A-Dub the loveable docile St. Bernard and her good friend Charlie. The two dogs were very well behaved and got a lot of attention.

Two-year-old Scottie Pettit and her dad Austin give a pet to Ginger the pony.

Holly the Elf was once again in charge of some very important tasks as she was helping everyone decorate cookies, make ornaments and of course, write those important letters to Santa.

A couple of good friends, both two-years-old, Izzy Dender and Nora MacLellan joined their grandmothers in telling Santa what they want this year. Both girls are hoping for new dolls.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were also at Christmas on the Farm.

When asked what all the good girls and boys want for Christmas Santa replied, “they ask for Legos, and polaroid cameras are coming back and one asked for a wiener dog.”

According to Mrs. Claus she and Santa want all the boys and girls to get a gift and to have joy and love.

Christmas on the Farm is at 7150 County Road 20 and there is on site parking. 

The event is held Friday, 6-8 p.m., Saturday 4-8 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m. until Dec. 14. 

It will not be open Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 due to the Windsor Parade Corporation presenting the Windsor and Essex Santa Claus Parades on those respective evenings.

Christmas on the Farm once again delights visitors

By Fred Groves