TS Smith and Sons to host Holiday Open House Dec. 1

TS Smith and Sons likes to celebrate the changing seasons, and the holidays are no exception. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, the farm market will be transformed into a one-stop shopping experience for unique, high-quality gifts with local appeal.

There will be fresh local produce, farm market favorites, apple cider donuts, tasty fresh-pressed cider and more, and nonprofit groups and community partners will offer something special for everyone. Like all TS Smith events, there will be things to enjoy for free, making it easy to get in the holiday spirit, shop, enjoy samples and avoid the crowds.  Santa’s helpers will be on hand to offer thoughtful and unique ideas for gifts for everyone in all price ranges.

Live holiday music gets things going

The Phillis Wheatley Middle School Choir will perform favorite holiday tunes from 10 a.m. to noon. During last year’s event, they were singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by tractor-pulled wagon to thrill the children who lined the street.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will stay at the farm market from noon to 2 p.m. to meet kids of all ages and to hear what they wish for. Shoppers should bring their cameras. Tom Smith recalls, “Last year, we had a nearly 90-year-old girl tell Santa what she wanted.”

Weather permitting, the public will be invited to take free wagon rides throughout the event.

Woodbridge High School FFA poinsettias

The Woodbridge High School Chapter of Future Farmers of America will stock the TS Smith greenhouse with poinsettias in several colors for shoppers to choose from. This is a one-day sale and has sold out in the past. Other holiday greenery will be available as well.

Book signing with Russ McCabe and Kevin Fleming

Readers, historians, explorers and proud Delawareans will be able to get a copy of the limited-edition book “Landmarks and Legacies," a compilation of photography by Kevin Fleming and content written by Pam George.  The significance of Delaware history is shown through historic sites selected by Delaware historian Russ McCabe and featured on three county maps. This one-of-a-kind book includes a foreword by Delaware’s own U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden.  Fleming and McCabe will be on hand to meet the public and sign books.

Locally produced wine

Shoppers can enjoy a glass of one of Great Shoals Winery’s award-winning wines and purchase a bottle or gift pack for that special adult while helping a great organization, the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  Not only will TS Smith’s Black Twig Hard Apple sparkling cider be available, DCADV is adding the Barlett and Bosc Pear Sparkling and the Spiced Apple to the lineup. All three were popular sellers at the Delaware Wine and Beer Fest and have won regional awards.

DCADV will presell bottles and gift packs online at www.dcadv.org for pickup during the event and will offer a limited supply for sale during the open house.

Free food samples and local products

All through the farm market, shoppers can feast on free samples and pick up free recipes, cooking ideas and gift ideas featuring the farm’s freshly harvested apples, cider, broccoli, cabbage, kale, turnips and other locally grown produce such as sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The shelves will be stocked with apple butter, apple sauce, jams, jellies, mustards and more. Locally produced favorites from Sap’s Puddin’ and Cape Seasonings will also be offered. Famous for her fresh apple cake and cream of asparagus soup, Susan Hayes will be on hand with suggestions, cooking tips and gift ideas in addition to samples of popular items from the farm market.

Custom fruit baskets

Fully customizable fruit basket orders will be offered, and shoppers can place their orders to be sure they are ready on the day desired. Reasonably priced and with a wide range to choose from, baskets can include items brought in by the customer, not only on the day of the event, but every day leading up to the holiday. Popular personalized additions include ornaments, teddy bears and cards. There is no extra charge for this service.

TS Smith & Sons is a fourth-generation family farm at 8899 Redden Road in Bridgeville. The historic farm market is open mid-April through Dec. 24 every year; the Easton, Md. store is open Wednesday through Saturday year-round.

Named Delaware’s 2012 Family Owned Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, TS Smith prides itself on growing the finest fruits and vegetables and offers them at fair prices from August through December. A Delaware Century Farm, TS Smith regards growing sustainably and sourcing locally an integral part of the farm’s mission. As Delaware’s oldest commercial apple and peach grower, TS Smith invites the public to enjoy the farm through special events, you-pick, tours and private parties. Learn more about TS Smith & Sons at www.tssmithandsons.com, email marketing@tssmithandsons.com or call 302-337-8271.