You know the holiday season is approaching when Marshall and Sheryl Lozier, owners of Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, have their annual Holiday Open House. It’s a time for wassailing and munching on cookies while shopping and strolling through the pretty twinkle-lit barns filled with crafts and all things Christmas.
Last Thursday evening, a hundred friends and neighbors gathered on the pavilion as Jim Earp played soft music on acoustic guitar. Children tugged at their parents’ hands asking for more Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies.
You know the holiday season is approaching when Marshall and Sheryl Lozier, owners of Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, have their annual Holiday Open House. It’s a time for wassailing and munching on cookies while shopping and strolling through the pretty twinkle-lit barns filled with crafts and all things Christmas.
Last Thursday evening, a hundred friends and neighbors gathered on the pavilion as Jim Earp played soft music on acoustic guitar. Children tugged at their parents’ hands asking for more Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies.
Marshall Lozier welcomed everyone as they sat visiting with friends on the patio. “This has always been one of my favorite events of the year,” he said.
“It’s a great time for people to enjoy the cookies everybody brings for the cookie exchange. And I always look forward to seeing friends who always come by for this event.
“There are some friends we’ve had to say good-bye to this year, like Larry Himmel. We are very thankful for the people we have known over the years,” Lozier said.
Lynnette Wilson and Teresa Hudson, two friends who had come together to the event, filled their cups with wassail and wandered the patio area filled with plants. Hudson chose a potted plumier to go on her patio. Munching on cookies, she and Wilson walked into the big crafts barn. They fingered ornaments, discussing plans for their Christmas.
Back outside, they peered into the hutch where the rabbit was snuggled in sleep.
Next they stepped inside the soap shop. The sweet pungent scents of cinnamon and spice, rosemary, mint and vanilla of lotions and soaps filled the shop.
Wilson picked up a schedule of classes and events. She said she could remember the first cooking class she had taken at Summers Past Farms shortly after it had first opened.
“I’ve also taken a wreath-making class. We should take a class together,” she said to Hudson.
“Sounds great,” Hudson said.
They both sat down for a while, humming and singing softly to some of the songs Earp played on the guitar.
“It’s like an old-time country holiday here,” Wilson said. .
“Gets me ready for Christmas,” said Hudson, sipping the cinnamon-spiced wassail.
When Summers Past Farms opened in 1992, the Loziers used to sell fresh-cut Christmas trees. “So that inspired us to stay open in the evenings,” Sheryl Lozier said.
Though they no longer sell the trees, the farm is the perfect family-friendly place for Christmas lights and festivities.
“It’s magical, everyone always says,” Lozier said.
The next event at Summers Past Farms is the Soap Making Demonstration, on Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shoppers will have the opportunity to observe the soap making process, learn the techniques, and they will even stir the solution. They will also receive some soap samples and save 10% on soap making supplies on the day of the demo.
The Antiques and Craft Fair, is set for December 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 70 craftsmen and artisans will sell their crafts, collectables, antiques and garden items on the spacious lawn.
Summers Past Farms is located at 15602 Olde Hwy 80 in Flinn Springs, open Wednesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The website is www.summerspastfarms.com.
