Historic farm market to offer Annual Holiday Open House Dec. 7

It’s no secret that TS Smith and Sons likes to celebrate the seasons, and the holidays are no exception. The farm market will be the most festive place around from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, as it is transformed into a one-stop shopping experience for unique, high-quality gifts with local appeal. There will be fun for kids of all ages, and food, too.

Not only will the farm market feature fresh local produce, farm market favorites, apple cider donuts, tasty fresh-pressed cider, and more, it will also be joined by nonprofit groups and community partners to 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 at the right price in all price ranges.

The Phyllis Wheatley Middle School Choir will return to perform Christmas carols and other favorite holiday tunes from 10 a.m. to noon. During last year’s event, they were signing “Here Comes Santa Claus” when lo and behold, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by tractor-pulled wagon to thrill the children. Matt Smith encourages everyone to get there early.

“If you have a youngster in your life, this is a thrill that is not to be missed. Get there by 11:30 to catch their arrival,” he said.

The North Pole reports that Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Bridgeville area and could arrive anytime between 11:30 a.m. and noon. They will stay at the farm market from noon to 2 p.m. to meet kids of all ages and hear what they wish for. Shoppers should bring their cameras to capture their loved ones telling Santa what’s on their lists.

Weather permitting, the public can enjoy free wagon rides, including one that goes through town as carols are sung aloud.

The Woodbridge High School Chapter of Future Farmers of America is quickly earning a reputation for growing the best poinsettias around. They will stock the TS Smith greenhouse full of poinsettias in several colors for shoppers to choose from. This is a one-day sale, and if the past is any example, they will sell out before the event is over. Other holiday greenery will be available for decorating the home as well. Stop by TS Smith before Dec. 4 to preorder poinsettias.

Shoppers can enjoy a glass of one of Great Shoals Winery’s award-winning wines during the event and purchase a bottle or gift pack for that special adult on the list. TS Smith’s Black Twig Hard Apple and Blazing Star Hard Peach sparkling ciders will be available, and Great Shoals is bringing the Barlett and Bosc Pear Sparkling and seasonal favorite Spiced Apple. Customers can preorder using a form available at the farm market and their order will be waiting at the open house. Deadline for preorders is Dec. 4.

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. 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.

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.

A nice, fresh basket of produce can be personalized with items from the market or at home, so the gift is more meaningful. It doesn’t hurt that it is healthy and cheaper than most gifts out there, too. For those who place their orders during the event, a discount of 10 percent will be applied.

TS Smith & Sons is a fourth-generation family farm in Bridgeville. Located at 8899 Redden Road, just off Route 13 and one traffic light from Route 404, the farm is 20 minutes from Milton, Georgetown, Harrington, and Denton, Md. The historic farm market is open mid-April through Dec. 23 every year. The Easton, Md. store is open Wednesday through Saturday year round.

Learn more about TS Smith & Sons at www.tssmithandsons.com, email marketing@tssmithandsons.com, or call 302-337-8271.