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courtesy photo
Each year, families around the world flock to stores and farms to select the perfect Christmas tree. For many, the endeavor sparks new family traditions and lifelong memories, which Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm owners David and Sherri Hurst hope will happen as families visit their farm this holiday season.
The Hursts will open Molly and Socks at 9 a.m. this Friday, November 25, with familiar and new activities to create family memories and traditions. For the first time, patrons may cut their own trees at the farm. As in the past, customers may also opt to purchase pre-cut trees. Trees are priced by the foot and range in size from three to twelve feet for pre-cut and five to nine feet for field-cut. Trees available for purchase include Fraser fir, Scotch pine, blue spruce, Black Hills spruce, Douglas fir, balsam fir, and Virginia pine.
Although Molly and Socks serves primarily as a Christmas tree farm, one would be remiss not to note the many additional family-friendly activities the farm offers for the sake of helping people make lifelong memories. For instance, one crosses a sleepy stream in a fairytale-esque wooded thicket by way of a quaint wooden bridge decked out in festive lights upon arrival to the farm. Across the bridge, one encounters the gift shop, concessions, and a ten-foot-wide fire pit, welcoming and tantalizing chilled visitors as the fire crackles and deliciously decadent aromas drift from concessions and dance along the breeze.
In addition to warming at the fire, visitors will find the source of those tempting aromas in smores kits and homemade goodies such as Mimi’s special cookies, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, and freshly made soup for purchase in concessions. Bottled water, soft drinks, and hot dogs will also be available.
The Hursts boast a beautifully adorned gift shop loaded with goodies anyone could enjoy: home décor, ornaments, hand-painted items, snowman kits, candles, stuffed animals, ribbon, handmade bows, tree skirts, stockings, and more. All offerings are Christmas specific with many having been made in America. Sherri also makes living wreaths for sale throughout the season but sells custom living garland by special order only.
Beyond the shop and fire pit, the outdoor game area offers fun for singles or the entire family and includes a festive Christmas barn with friendly animals and opportunities to feed them, Yard Jenga, basketball, cornhole, horseshoes, tetherball, potato sack races, a barrel train, a park-sized swing set, and frisbee toss.
Additionally, photo opportunities abound amongst the trees, at the gingerbread house, with the life-sized Grinch, in the adorable Molly and Socks truck, around the bridge and stream area, at the new hot chocolate stand cutout, on the tractors or implements, and all around the barnyard. The Hursts also play host to professional photography sessions as requested; however, professional photographers must pre-schedule sessions for a fee by calling the Hursts. In fact, the Hursts welcome any group for special events on their private property with pre-approved permission.
Speaking of special events, Bristow’s own Reindeer Club and Santa will visit the farm this Saturday, November 26. The reindeer will visit from 11 a.m. til 1 p.m., but Santa will extend his visit until 3 p.m. He will make return visits on Friday, December 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then again on Saturday, December 3, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors may take their own photos for free, but a professional photographer will be available if desired. Moreover, children may bring their letters to Santa and drop them in Santa’s mailbox throughout the holiday season.
While the Hursts hope visitors purchase a tree, they welcome everyone whether they purchase a tree or not, saying “Children don’t stay small for long. … Life is precious—don’t miss it. We invite anyone of any age to come out, have fun, and begin a new tradition with us. Take this opportunity to build memories together before it’s too late.”
To help us all build those memories, admission to the farm is free. Concessions, gifts, trees, and professional photography sessions may be purchased. Beginning this Friday, Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm opens each Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. til 7 p.m. until all trees have been sold. However, anyone unable to visit during open hours needs only to call ahead and schedule a time during the week. The Hursts will happily accommodate patrons’ visitation needs as able.
For information regarding appointments for professional photography sessions, to schedule a time for a tree outside of operating hours, to inquire about the farm as a venue, or for general information, contact Molly and Socks at 918639-3816. Texts are accepted.