Hope native brings Christmas Zoo to Butlerville

With Christmas only a few short weeks away, Tim McNamee and the staff of Blue Tassel Farm are inviting all area residents out to the farm for some holiday goodwill and cheer during its second annual free-will donation Christmas Zoo beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the farm, located at 6855 East County Rd. 9820 North in Butlerville.

Last year’s inaugural Christmas Zoo attracted an estimated 500 visitors, McNamee says. This year, he and the BTF staff are expecting double that amount.

“Our hope is always to present the gospel so we have a couple of areas where they can see the gospel message, like the nativity scene,” McNamee says. “And then, just letting them know God loves them and it’s a way to present the gospel during Christmastime. We also have a message from the Grinch to them about the true meaning of Christmas and what it is really about.”

Open weekends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. now until Christmas Eve, visitors can expect to find nearly all the 10-acre property festively lit with more than four dozen animals ready to be fed and petted by visitors. Among the farm’s animal family are sheep, lambs, miniature donkeys, goats, chickens and more, McNamee says.

Visitors are greeted by the watchful eyes and regal statures of matching 17-foot-tall toy soldiers who stand guard at the gates and, upon entering the property, are met with the sights and sounds of a joyful holiday season.

“They come in and park and then walk through,” McNamee says. “It isn’t a real long walk, we have most of the animals and livestock up front. And then there’s ride up to the North Pole and a ride back.”

The North Pole is located at the top of the McNamee property and it is there that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be spending most of their time each evening greeting visitors and chatting with kiddos about their holiday wishes.

“We are also adding Christmas carolers this year,” McNamee adds. “We have refreshments while they are here. They get to feed the animals and take a hay ride. We also have a prayer mailbox up top so if they want to leave a letter they can.”

Adding joy and some humor to the event will be the return of the Grinch, who made his debut last year to the delight of all who attended, McNamee says.

Columbus resident Evan Eickhoff plays the beloved Dr. Seuss character and it isn’t too bad of a gig at all, Eickhoff says, in fact, it’s a really good time.

“I just kind of embraced my inner Jim Carrey and just hung out with kids the whole time and it was really fun,” Eickhoff says.

For some children, meeting Santa the first time can be a bit scary and Eickhoff has found the Grinch is not immune to kids’ initial uneasiness. But that hesitancy quickly fades when they realize he isn’t so much of a meaner-pants that steals kids’ Christmases.

It is the realization that this Grinch isn’t such a bad guy after all that quickly follows interactions between the kids and the beloved Theodor Geisel character that McNamee says he is looking forward to the most.

“I always tell the kids when they check in to go talk to the Grinch and tell him, ‘Don’t steal my Christmas!’” McNamee says. “So they get to have some fun with the Grinch and yell at him some. To which he replies, ‘I’m not here to steal your Christmas. I’m here to tell you about Jesus.’”

Eickhoff says when kids are hesitant, he simply kicks up the Grinchy-ness of his character and it makes it easier for the kids to feel more comfortable warming up to him.

“Sometimes the kids gather around and start teasing me,” he says. “And it just becomes a whole big thing, super fun and just a good time.”

All the lights, music and sounds of laughter add to the holiday spirit, McNamee and Eickhoff agree, however, there is a deeper meaning and peacefulness that permeates the farm and its ministry year-round, they say.

Eickhoff encourages those who have the opportunity to visit the farm to do so as it offers a unique opportunity that is hard to come by these days.

“I would love for people to see the ministry Blue Tassel Farm has and have the opportunity to go there and get away and just get with God,” Eickhoff says. “I think that is a super important thing and there are not too many places where you get that opportunity, but Blue Tassel is a great place to do that.”

Blue Tassel Farm was established five years ago when McNamee left the ministry and moved his family to the Hope area. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit works with at-risk populations from children to adults, including women who are rescued from sex trafficking and homelessness.

Open to inner city children ages eight to 18, Blue Tassel Farm works closely with the youth and their counselors to offer weekend retreats and events designed to bring at-risk youth closer to God and nature.

Those who are interested in learning more or would like to make a donation, visit bluetasselfarm.com.