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The staff and elves at Blue Tassel Farm have been hard at work decorating and preparing for the opening of the Fourth Annual Christmas Zoo at Blue Tassel Farm beginning this weekend. And suffice to say, this year’s zoo is set to be the biggest, most festive one yet.      

The farm, located at 6855 E. County Road 920 N., Butlerville, will welcome visitors from 5 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and December 8 and 9, says Tim McNamee, owner of Blue Tassel Farm.

“We are trying to beat the weather this year,” McNamee says. “We’ve battled the weather every year being later in December, so we are moving it up and giving it a shot.”

It takes about 30 minutes to explore the nearly nine acres of decorated woods, McNamee says, which features a variety of animals, carolers, hayrides and even a general store.

Visitors to the free event can delight in getting to meet a variety of resident farm animals, including the farm’s newest residents – miniature twin goats Bruno and Brodie and their friend Eddie, the fainting goat.

“We try to make the event bigger and better every year,” McNamee says. “This is the biggest year we’ve done it, and we are hoping the weather cooperates.”

Not only is the Grinch returning to share the Gospel and how Jesus healed his heart, but the beloved Dr. Seuss character will have company as he will be joined by Aladin and Jasmine, Cinderella and Prince Charming and, of course, Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.

“There’s no doubt my favorite part is when the Grinch is telling the real meaning of Christmas and takes the kids and families right to the manger to introduce them to the Jesus who fixed his heart,” McNamee says.

Hayrides will usher visitors to the North Pole, where they can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, McNamee says. While they’re visiting, kids can drop off their letters to Santa and prayers to Jesus.  

Cookies, punch and candy canes await the kiddos and their families at the general store, and they will each get a little something before they leave, McNamee says.

While at the zoo, visitors can register to win a $150 Walmart gift card for a holiday shopping spree and they won’t have to be present to win, he adds. Once the zoo concludes on December 9, there will be a drawing and a presentation will be made to the winner at their home.    

Though there is no charge for the event, free-will donations are accepted, McNamee says.

In times of stress and strife, people often take refuge in community and faith and this opportunity to celebrate the season is no different. This year, if anything, it is more important than ever before.

“It is something that can bring joy immediately, you don’t have a choice,” McNamee says. “It is hard to come on the property when there is music playing and elves, animals and characters running around. A lot of the parents light up, too; they are going through things. It is what Christmas ought to be. I don’t care who you are. You can be an agnostic, an atheist or whatever you want, but you cannot deny the joy of Christmas.”

For more Zoo News, visit Tim McNamee via social media HERE and follow Blue Tassel Farm on Facebook HERE.