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FORTY FORT — Edward’s Garden Center was filled with sights and sounds of the holiday season this weekend, with the business hosting a Holiday Celebration.
The event drew people from all over the area, with many families having young children in tow who were intent on meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Krystel Scales, of Edwardsville, said the event was one of the first Christmas experiences for her daughter, Eithne Rocha. Bundled up in a warm coat and bearing a tentative smile, Eithne prepared for her first ever opportunity to meet Santa and his wife, who certainly seemed to be enjoying their role.
For those wanting to add a bit of color to their holiday season and a bit of art to their faces, face painting was available, with many children sporting candy cane mustaches, a winter rose or a Christmas spider as they made their way through the event holding a parent’s hand and inevitably smiling.
For nature lovers, over 20 animals that the business has adopted were on display. Many children appeared to be fixated on several rabbits that seemed content to rest in their cages.
Saturday’s event also provided an opportunity for children to see reindeer, convinced the animals were from the North Pole and would be pulling the sleigh as it will make its way throughout the globe on Christmas Eve.
Debbie Jaskowiec, garden center manager, lauded owner Ed Kopec for his sense of community spirit and vision for the future.
“We’re not only helping customers make purchases,” she said, “we’re helping them fulfill a holiday vision for their home.”
Indeed, six varieties of Christmas trees for sale at the event were just what Santa ordered for those who were headed home to deck the halls, and perhaps sit in front of a fire and drink a bit of hot cocoa.
Customers carefully selected a tree they thought would fit with the decor of their home. Many left with trees on the tops of their cars and smiles on their faces.
Decorations such as wreaths and other outside items were also on sale for those talented in creating outdoor holiday displays.
Employee Diane Donnelly was happy to escort customers through the center, eager to point out the colors and natural beauty.
Many gravitated to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge presentation, which not only provided opportunity to contribute money or canned pet food, but also to meet and greet a furry friend that might need a good home.
Brock, a recently adopted Cocker Spaniel wearing a reindeer-themed sweatshirt seemed to be a crowed favorite.
New owner Patricia Gozikowski said she hoped that Brock, who is excellent with children, might someday be a therapy dog.
Cortie Brown, a fund raiser for Blue Chip Farm, said that often during the holidays, area residents want a puppy for under the tree, but they leave older dogs behind.
“You can tell that when the dogs are at the rescue for a few months, they start to get depressed,” she said. “They want a permanent home.”
Representatives of the animal refuge said those interested in adoption must be cleared by their veterinarian or provide personal references.
With a bit of commitment and knowledge, though, area residents can make wonderful pet owners to deserving dogs, cats and other animals.
