Christmas at Forest Bend Farm in Black Forest opened in 2019 and will, with cautionary measures, be open to celebrate the holidays again this year.Owners Matt and Amber Tanner and Patrick and Elisa Clark collaborated to buy the property in 2018. A few years before, the Tanners decided they wanted to start some sort of business; something like a pumpkin patch, but with a Christmas theme. They soon realized they were going to need partners. Tanner said, ìThe Clarks were the only ones who came to mind that might want to jump on this crazy train with us.î On Dec. 1, 2018, the two couples agreed to the business partnership.On Dec. 7, the Forest Bend property came on the market. ìWe honestly thought it would take months to find something; we couldnít believe it when this piece of property came up within a week of us deciding to go into business together and only a mile from where we live,î Tanner said. They put in an offer, but the owners declined it.Tanner said after the holidays they received a call from the owners wondering if they were still interested in the property ó the first offer fell through. They closed on the Forest Bend property March 13, 2019. He said throughout 2019, they often questioned their decision to open in December that year considering all that needed to be done. However, with the challenges of COVID this year, they are grateful for last yearís experience.He said they are going for a Norman Rockwell, Hallmark Christmas sort of ambiance. There are several places to take family pictures and participate in activities together, Tanner said. Every guest receives a token to be used for one hot cocoa, cider, a símores kit or a cookie decorating kit; free bags of popcorn will also be available.There are different themes each weekend, he said. For example, one weekend, Saint Nick will read a story to the children about the real Saint Nicholas. On another weekend, they will be collecting canned goods and monetary donations for the Springs Rescue Mission, as well as monetary donations for Black Forest Fire Rescue ó the fire department will have a fire truck on site for the kids to tour.Several activities are planned, such as the kidsí corral ó an area to pet and feed the animals; climbing structures; tire swings; and games. A heated tent offers a place to create a craft or read an assortment of favorite Christmas books. The Christmas store is located in the barn, where visitors can shop, decorate a cookie or watch the nativity play performed by the children. There is also a hayride that will wind through Christmas lights while singing Christmas carols.Tanner said about 2,000 people came through last year. This year, they organized the site to keep people spread out, and they are offering more outdoor activities. Along with the heated tent, there will also be heaters and fire pits. ìWe are limiting our numbers and are requiring reservations so we donít have too many people show up at once or too many people on the property at one time,î he said. Facemasks are required and hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations on the property; commonly used surfaces will be cleaned on a regular basis as well as periodic cleanings throughout each event, Tanner said.The farm is open every weekend, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, plus every day from Dec. 17 to Dec. 23. The hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with reservations every half hour until 6:30 p.m. To make reservations, visit https://www.forestbendfarm.com/.Tanner said, ìWe just really enjoy being able to create a place for people to come and enjoy the peacefulness of Black Forest, create memories with their families and celebrate the birth of Jesus.î
