AGRIscapes holds first ever Holiday Farm

With Christmas just weeks away, Cal Poly Pomona hosted its first-ever Holiday Farm.

Families from near and far gathered at CPP AGRIscapes to participate in the variety of festive activities that were offered. Kids could sit on Santa’s lap, ride down the man-made snow slide, pet a goat at the petting zoo and experience all things Christmas.

A young attendee asks Santa and Mrs. Claus for what’s on her wish list. (Brenlyn D’Amore | The Poly Post)

CPP AGRIscapes staff transformed the traditional farmland into a winter wonderland. Sounds of bluegrass band the Jaybirds playing Christmas classics filled the air.

The smell of roasted almonds and fresh pine trees created the ideal holiday experience.

One of the most popular activities that drew a crowd was the Santa Farm.

Children were able to write a letter to Santa telling him what they wished for, sit on his lap, and meet Mrs. Claus.

“I asked Santa for a dinosaur,” three-year-old J.T. Scarborough said.

His mother said they received a flyer in the mail advertising the event and decided to make a family day of it.

“We sat with Santa, we did the hayride and petting zoo,” Covina resident Ashley Scarborough said. “The petting zoo was amazing; it was his favorite part.”

One of the biggest parts of the Holiday Farm was the Christmas tree farm.

Attendees were able to choose from Nobles, Nordmanns, Douglas, and Silver Tip trees.

Strawberry Farms, which hosts the tree farm, said it was their first year selling trees at CPP.

They are selling 6-7 ft. Douglas Firs for $34.99.

Other festive activities included a man-made snow slope that kids could sled down, a small maze called the Snowman’s Lair, a ring toss, corn-hole toss and the hayride where families sat on the back of a tractor and were taken on a ride around the hills of the farm.

There was also a wide variety of artisan and craft vendors that were selling handmade items from wooden spoons to handcrafted vases.

“This was our very first holiday farm that AGRIscapes put on,” said Husna Ridha, third-year nutrition student. “A lot of the vendors here are vendors we have from our Pumpkin Festival. All of the proceeds from ticket sales go to AGRIscapes and help pay for student workers like me.”

CPP clubs and groups also had a Christmas tree-decorating competition on display.

Attendees could vote on the best decorated trees that were decorated by different groups and clubs on campus like the Peer Advising Team and the agriculture office.

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